President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s loyalists are reportedly planning a significant crackdown on diaspora activists providing financial support to opposition leader Nelson Chamisa. This alleged plot comes as Chamisa, currently on a political sabbatical, remains a potential threat to Mnangagwa’s bid for a third, and arguably unconstitutional, presidential term.
Sources within Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) diaspora chapters have revealed increasing risks for opposition members and human rights activists, both within Zimbabwe and abroad. Genius Khatazile Mamwadhu, speaking to New Zimbabwe, detailed the situation.
“Intelligence sources have made us aware of a plot to cause harm, including murder, forced disappearances and torching of properties belonging to known activists supporting and funding Chamisa’s bid for a political comeback to challenge Mnangagwa. For some CCC members and human rights activists who fled Zimbabwe and took refuge in the diaspora, the situation is dire as there is an operation targeting those alleged to be bankrolling what is being termed ‘Blue Movement’,” he said.
The alleged targeting of diaspora activists has intensified following the announcement of Mnangagwa’s extended presidential term, potentially until 2030 or 2033. Mamwadhu noted that several activists, including those residing in the UK, USA, and South Africa, are under surveillance, particularly those believed to be leading online campaigns against the extended presidency.
He named several prominent activists, including Greatman Makipa, Clive Biggie Nyaketa, Nobukhosi Dube, Brian Chikukwa, Munyaradzi Zengeni, Evelyn Chigaro, Kevin Dube, Memory Kishindo, Xolisani Masuku, Melody Phylis Magejo, and Sibongile Sibanda, who have been labelled fugitives by the Zimbabwean government but remain committed to their activism.
Mamwadhu highlighted the government’s actions as a violation of human rights: “It is actually shameless to target economic and political refugees. The Government of Zimbabwe’s actions underscore the deteriorating human rights situation at home. Activists are branded as threats to national security, and state apparatuses such as the police and judiciary are weaponized to suppress dissent.”
The crackdown extends beyond the diaspora. Mamwadhu cited the case of former Mkoba MP Amos Chibaya as an example of the government’s actions against local activists.
He stated: “Mnangagwa and his Zanu PF are using the laws such as the Patriotic Bill, Cyber Security Act and Maintenance of Public Order Act (MOPA) to silence the opposition and human rights activists in the country.”
This alleged use of legislation to suppress dissent raises serious concerns about the shrinking space for political opposition and freedom of expression in Zimbabwe. The situation is further complicated by the reported internal power struggles within Zanu-PF, with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga reportedly leading a faction opposing Mnangagwa’s extended term and even contemplating a potential alliance with Chamisa.
