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Mnangagwa’s third-term push aimed at evading Gukurahundi prosecution, say activists

Political activists have accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa of seeking a third term or extended tenure to avoid prosecution for the Gukurahundi atrocities and protect his family’s wealth.

Opposition figures like Sengezo Tshabangu, they argue, are being used to legitimise this agenda.

Zimbabwe’s Constitution limits presidents to two five-year terms. However, Zanu PF has reportedly proposed extending Mnangagwa’s rule by two years to 2030, though details of how this would be achieved remain unclear.

Despite Mnangagwa’s public denial of seeking a third term, his supporters and some opposition members have endorsed the idea, prompting activists to urge Zimbabweans to resist these efforts and demand accountability from his administration.

Chilumbo Mudenda, a political activist, claimed Mnangagwa’s push to retain power stems from a fear of prosecution for his role in Gukurahundi.

“Mnangagwa is avoiding accountability for Gukurahundi. He wants to die in office to evade justice for the atrocities and genocide he orchestrated,” Mudenda said.

“There’s a pressing need for him to answer before an international tribunal. Granting him another term compromises justice. Given his age, the chances of him being held accountable diminish over time,” Mudenda added.

Mudenda also criticised Tshabangu for allegedly serving Zanu PF’s agenda, undermining democratic principles.

“Tshabangu has abandoned his role as an opposition figure. Instead, he acts as a Zanu PF surrogate, endorsing unconstitutional amendments that would prolong Mnangagwa’s tenure,” he said.

Mudenda further condemned the administration’s neglect of development in Matabeleland, citing stalled infrastructure projects like the Bulawayo-Nkayi Road and the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road.

“Development is centered on Harare while Matabeleland remains sidelined. Funds meant for devolution have not been disbursed as required by Section 301 of the Constitution. When will these long-overdue projects be completed?” Mudenda asked.

He accused the government of prioritising projects in Harare, such as the new town in Mt. Hampden, the Mbudzi interchange, and the Beitbridge-Harare-Chirundu Road rehabilitation, while ignoring Matabeleland’s needs.

Patrick Ndlovu, another activist, alleged Mnangagwa’s primary motivation is to amass wealth for his family while evading accountability for corruption and ethnic violence.

“Mnangagwa is the architect of Gukurahundi, ethnic hegemony, and systemic corruption. His focus is on looting the nation’s wealth for his family before facing accountability,” Ndlovu said.

Ndlovu also dismissed Tshabangu as an opportunist seeking personal gain.

“Tshabangu is exploiting the system to secure leftovers from Zanu PF’s looting spree. His role is to create the illusion of multi-party democracy, which ultimately benefits the ruling party,” he said.

Ndlovu argued that Gukurahundi prosecutions are unlikely due to entrenched ethnic biases in Zimbabwe’s political landscape.

“Some sections of society view Gukurahundi as justified revenge for historical grievances. This narrative, perpetuated by Zanu PF, prevents meaningful progress on the issue. Mnangagwa and others involved are seen as heroes by those who share this perspective,” Ndlovu said.

Lulu Brenda Harris

Lulu Brenda Harris is a seasoned senior news reporter at CITE. Harris writes on politics, migration, health, education, environment, conservation and sustainable development. Her work has helped keep the public informed, promoting accountability and transparency in Zimbabwe.

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