The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), Zimbabwe’s main opposition party, is reportedly embroiled in a deepening internal crisis. According to a high-ranking party insider, a faction within the CCC is allegedly conspiring to have their former leader, Nelson Chamisa, arrested in a bid to force a more confrontational approach against the government.
The Alleged Plot
A senior CCC member, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the plot revolves around attempts to pressure Chamisa into organizing anti-government demonstrations during the upcoming 44th Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit. The source explained:
“There’s a growing sentiment among some members that Chamisa has not been assertive enough in his opposition to Mnangagwa. They wanted to leverage the high-profile nature of the SADC summit to stage demonstrations that would attract international attention. However, they knew that such actions could lead to severe repercussions, including Chamisa’s arrest.”
Chamisa’s Hesitation
The insider disclosed that Chamisa’s reluctance to sanction the demonstrations, citing concerns over party members’ safety and potential violent crackdowns, was seen as a betrayal by the dissenting faction.
“They felt Chamisa was too cautious, too unwilling to take risks, and this reluctance was undermining their party’s ability to challenge ZANU-PF effectively,” the source added.
The Strategy
The plan allegedly involves creating a scenario where Chamisa is publicly associated with the demonstrations, even without his direct involvement. By timing the protests during the SADC summit, the faction hopes to provoke a government crackdown that would inevitably implicate Chamisa.
Analysts’ Warnings
Political analysts have expressed concern over these developments. Dr. Raymond Mutasa, a Harare-based political analyst, warned:
“The CCC cannot afford to be divided at this juncture. If these reports of an internal plot against Chamisa are accurate, it speaks to a deep-seated frustration within the party. However, airing such grievances through actions that could lead to the leader’s arrest is risky and could backfire spectacularly.”
Broader Context
This internal strife comes at a challenging time for the CCC:
- The party is still reeling from its loss to ZANU-PF in the 2023 Harmonised General Elections.
- The CCC has struggled to maintain momentum post-election.
- Supporters have been questioning Chamisa’s strategy and leadership style.
- The party has already split into two factions.
Implications
If proven true, these allegations could further deepen the divisions within the CCC-Chamisa party, potentially leading to a power struggle that could significantly weaken the opposition’s standing in Zimbabwean politics.
As Zimbabwe’s political landscape continues to evolve, the resolution of this internal conflict within the CCC will be crucial in determining the future of opposition politics in the country.
Source: Harare Post
