Political Tensions Rise in Zimbabwe as Opposition MPs Face Recall
Tensions are escalating in Zimbabwe as Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) is considering withdrawing all of its representatives from parliament. This comes after 15 of the party’s lawmakers were controversially recalled earlier this week.
The Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Mudenda, wrote to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission announcing the vacancies. He said this was based on a letter from Sengezo Tshabangu, who has taken it upon himself to act as the interim secretary general of CCC.
However, CCC disputes that Tshabangu holds any leadership position in the party. They describe him as an “impostor” who is meddling in their affairs. In his letter, Tshabangu claimed the 15 MPs had ceased being CCC members, so he was recalling them.
The affected MPs strongly reject these claims. Prince Dubeko Sibanda, one of those recalled, noted he has won elections under the CCC banner twice this year. He said “It’s time for a revolution.” All 15 representatives have gone to court challenging the recall, saying Tshabangu has no authority over them.
CCC leader Nelson Chamisa is said to be considering withdrawing all of the party’s MPs and councillors from their posts in protest. While some are calling for street demonstrations, Chamisa has been reluctant to directly lead protests due to concerns over violent crackdowns by the governing ZANU-PF party.
There are fears that if the courts endorse Tshabangu’s actions, it could open the door for further disruption. He may try to remove Chamisa from the CCC leadership and seize party funds. ZANU-PF will be hoping for by-elections where they could gain seats and strengthen their majority.
Political analysts see this as a ploy to undermine the main opposition and consolidate power. The situation in Zimbabwe is becoming increasingly unstable.
