CONSTITUTION UNDER ATTACK AS ZIMBABWE FACES A SILENT COUP

Zimbabwe is once again at a dangerous crossroads. The country is facing a serious threat, not from outside forces, but from within. The Constitution, which is supposed to protect the people and limit the power of leaders, is under attack. This attack is not loud. It is slow and calculated. But its impact is deep and painful.

Veteran opposition leader and former finance minister Tendai Biti has helped launch the Constitution Defence Forum. This movement aims to defend the country’s supreme law from what he calls sustained and predatory attacks by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The forum plans to work with many people, including Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, Nelson Chamisa, the broader opposition, and civil society groups. The goal is simple but urgent. It is to defend the constitution and stop the destruction of democracy.

The Constitution Defence Forum is similar to the Defend the Constitution Platform led by Jameson Timba. Both movements were formed because many people believe the constitution is being weakened on purpose. They say the country is already in a deep economic and social crisis. Instead of solving these problems, those in power are busy changing the rules to protect themselves.

Since coming to power in 2017, Mnangagwa has amended the 2013 constitution three times. These changes have not strengthened democracy. Instead, they have increased his control. One of the most serious changes is extending the president’s term from five years to seven years. Another change means that the president will now be chosen by parliament instead of directly by the people. This removes the power of citizens to vote directly for their leader.

There are also plans to extend Mnangagwa’s rule beyond 2028, which is the current constitutional limit, to 2030. Many believe this is an attempt to hold onto power at all costs. Even some people within ZANU PF, including Vice-President Chiwenga and his allies, are said to oppose this move. This shows that the issue is not just about opposition politics. It is about the future of the country.

Biti has warned that this systematic erosion of the constitution must be resisted. He believes Zimbabweans must stand up and defend their rights. He has called for nationwide demonstrations to protect democracy. He says the constitution is being subverted, mutilated, and torn apart for selfish reasons.

Civil society groups and opposition activists have described these actions as a constitutional coup. The term comes from the African Union’s Constitutive Act. It refers to leaders who manipulate the constitution to stay in power. Many believe this is exactly what is happening in Zimbabwe.

It is important to remember how Mnangagwa came to office. In November 2017, he rose to power through a military coup. He later won two elections in 2018 and 2023, both of which were disputed. Now, instead of rebuilding trust and fixing the economy, the focus appears to be on changing the constitution again.

Zimbabwe has suffered for decades under poor leadership and bad policies. The economy is weak. Many people are unemployed. Hospitals struggle. Schools lack resources. Prices keep rising. Instead of addressing these issues, leaders are fighting to extend their stay in office.

The constitution is meant to protect the people from abuse of power. When it is changed for personal gain, democracy dies slowly. What is happening today is not just politics. It is about the future of every Zimbabwean. If the constitution falls, the last line of defence for the people will be gone.