Opposition Vows To Mobilize Mass Protests Against Mnangagwa’s Third Term
4 February 2025
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By A Correspondent

ZAPU President Sibangilizwe Nkomo has issued a stern warning against any attempts by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to extend his tenure beyond 2028, vowing strong resistance from his party.

Nkomo emphatically rejected the notion of a coup, but insisted that ZAPU demands “fair and transparent elections” in 2028, emphasizing that Mnangagwa must step down once his second and final term expires.

Speaking to the press in Bulawayo recently, Nkomo condemned the current president’s attempts to prolong his rule, calling them “the grandfather of all illegalities.”

He asserted: “Mnangagwa sneaked into power on the back of a military coup in 2017 and now seeks to extend his rule by staging another coup against the constitution of Zimbabwe. It is a treasonous ambition that no patriotic Zimbabwean should entertain.”

Nkomo criticized the ruling ZANU PF party, claiming that since Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980, they have continually “taken the country’s citizens for granted.” He added, “We categorically reject claims that Zimbabweans wish to endure more suffering beyond 2028.

Only the merchants of death and suffering can agitate for the extension of Mr Mnangagwa’s presidential term even by a week.”

Furthermore, Nkomo called on Zimbabweans to withdraw their consent for Mnangagwa’s government, stating, “We also call on the people of Zimbabwe to withdraw their consent and refuse to be governed by Mr Mnangagwa’s government beyond 2028.”

Nkomo promised that ZAPU would take bold action in response to any attempt to extend Mnangagwa’s rule. “Mnangagwa’s administration will see a side of us they have never witnessed before. We will take the lead in making this country ungovernable as long as there is no electoral mandate from the people.”

The ZAPU leader warned that civil disobedience would be encouraged and further steps to undermine Mnangagwa’s government would be considered if the regime “foolishly chooses to dig in.” Nkomo added, “His first term, powered by a military coup, and the second one, secured from a stolen mandate in August 2023, have been disastrous enough for the people.”

He criticized Mnangagwa’s leadership, claiming that there is no vision for Zimbabwe’s future. “There is no iota of evidence to suggest that in 2030, Zimbabwe will provide upper-middle income for ordinary Zimbabweans.”