UK Legal Expert: Chamisa’s Position Does Not Inhibit Political Choices – Caution Urged Amid ZANU PF Power Struggles
By A Correspondent | ZimEye| In the midst of Zimbabwe’s a rapturous debate around a tweet, UK-based legal expert Brighton Mutebuka has stepped into the fray to address growing criticism leveled at opposition leader Nelson Chamisa. This comes after Chamisa released a brief statement distancing himself from recent “dialogues,” while reaffirming his openness to nation-building discussions.
In a nuanced intervention, Mutebuka asserts that Chamisa’s statement does not restrict any individual or group from pursuing their perceived rightful path in Zimbabwe’s evolving crisis. Speaking on the broader implications of Chamisa’s remarks, Mutebuka explained, “Agency will always remain with the people, not Chamisa. There is nothing in his post which prevents anyone from following what they consider to be the right choice at this moment in time.”
Referencing Zimbabwe’s history of factional battles within ZANU PF, Mutebuka warns that strategic engagement cannot be presumed or forced in an environment where authoritarian repression is rampant. “What Chamisa has is extraordinary moral, social & political capital,” he said. “Strategic engagement can neither be presumed nor imposed because of the costs of such in a ruthless dictatorship. November 2017 is instructive.”
Chamisa’s tweet, posted earlier today, stated: “I want to clarify that my door is always open to speak with anyone who reaches out to me for constructive conversations and nation building, but I have not been involved in recent dialogues with anyone. I don’t want to be made the focal point of things that have nothing to do with me.”
This appears to be a subtle rebuke of swirling speculation regarding alleged involvement in factional plots to unseat President Emmerson Mnangagwa, as rumors of a power bid by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga gather momentum.
The backdrop to Chamisa’s statement includes rising tensions inside ZANU PF, where reports suggest factions are now vying for control amid growing economic and political discontent.
Mutebuka highlights the opacity surrounding such high-stakes political machinations: “Any such engagements, where they take place, ordinarily occur away from prying eyes and, for strategic reasons, are rarely ever disclosed. Premature or untruthful disclosure also runs the risk of creating expectations in situations where one neither has operational knowledge nor control.”
He goes further to caution against the opposition being manipulated into factional disputes: “There is now an established pattern which sees ZANU PF factions running the ship aground through misgovernance, joining hands to terrorise the opposition and, when they fall out over power, expect the opposition to join in to aid the faction that would have succeeded in presenting itself as the lesser evil.”
Referencing the aftermath of the 2018 elections and the chaotic 2023 polls, Mutebuka noted how ZANU PF factions often close ranks against the opposition, only to later revert to brutal internal power struggles. He questioned why figures allegedly behind current moves to oust Mnangagwa did not act when CCC was being decimated by Sengezo Tshabangu, or during the rigged electoral processes that drew regional condemnation.
Mutebuka also critiqued recent public rhetoric: “Perhaps Geza’s delivery was clumsy, whimsical, ill-judged, presumptuous & avoidable. Public spats, squabbling or rancour or a mere perception of them can only benefit ED & his regime’s spirits – particularly at a time when he is clearly under the cosh.”
With an eye on the looming 31 March developments – reportedly a critical date for planned actions against Mnangagwa – Mutebuka emphasized that while powerful actors may be backing the so-called Geza initiative, successful political transitions require far more than rhetoric. “While all indications suggest that he is being harboured by some very powerful political actors… that alone is not sufficient to underpin consequential political decisions at the highest level.”
Finally, Mutebuka urged all stakeholders to act with caution: “While events are currently moving at breakneck speed, I would urge everyone to be cautious about premature celebrations or judgments either way.”
As speculation intensifies, Chamisa finds himself under scrutiny, facing pressure to navigate between maintaining principled opposition and resisting the gravitational pull of internal ZANU PF factional intrigue.
Online Reaction
In a reply to the ongoing conversation, one user (@mafukidze15_) simply commented, “Hanzi munoda Chiwenga President,” signaling growing unease over the perception that certain factions, including some within the opposition ranks, might be open to backing Chiwenga in a bid to dislodge Mnangagwa.
Chamisa’s deliberate attempt to remove himself from speculative narratives suggests that Zimbabwe’s political chessboard remains as precarious and dangerous as ever.