Opposition groups in Zimbabwe say they will continue resisting a proposed constitutional amendment that could extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rule, despite reports of intimidation, violence and surveillance.
Law professor Lovemore Madhuku said he was assaulted in early March by individuals he believes were linked to state security forces, after they disrupted a meeting of his National Constitutional Assembly.
The incident is one of several reported by activists mobilising against the amendment, which was approved by cabinet last month. Police have denied involvement.
“We will not be the first ones to be overpowered by a superior force of the state,” Madhuku said. “If we are shot, we will die. If we are beaten… we may be hospitalised or even crippled. But we are not going to care.”
Rights group Human Rights Watch has warned that authorities are using violence and intimidation against critics of the proposed changes.
Opposition lawmaker Jameson Timba said he and a colleague had been under surveillance after speaking out. Both found an “X” painted on their homes ahead of a planned meeting at the offices of the Southern Africa Political Economy Series Trust, whose building was bombed last year amid rising tensions.
The proposed constitutional changes would extend the presidential term from five to seven years and replace direct elections with a parliamentary vote, effectively allowing Mnangagwa, 83, to remain in power beyond his current two-term limit ending in 2028.
Critics argue the move would further entrench the dominance of the ruling ZANU-PF, which has governed since independence in 1980 and has faced longstanding accusations of corruption, repression and economic mismanagement.
Political analyst Blessing Vava said dissenting voices were increasingly being silenced.
“Since the bill has been introduced, there has been a systematic shutting down of those who oppose it,” he said, adding that the push for the amendment is driven by elites benefiting from their proximity to power.
Despite growing opposition, the amendment is widely expected to pass through parliament, where ZANU-PF holds a dominant majority.
A party spokesperson dismissed criticism, saying Mnangagwa remains widely supported and accusing the opposition of spreading misinformation.
Africa news