HARARE – The launch of the new party is widely interpreted as a direct consequence of the deepening succession crisis within Zanu PF. The ruling party is reportedly locked in a bitter struggle between factions aligned with President Mnangagwa and Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga. Retired soldiers, many of whom played a pivotal role in the country’s liberation struggle, are increasingly vocal in their opposition to any unconstitutional extension of the president’s term, viewing it as a betrayal of the revolutionary ideals. This internal strife within the security establishment adds another layer of complexity to the political landscape.
In a significant development that underscores the escalating political tensions in Zimbabwe, a new political party, the Guardians of Zimbabwe, has emerged, spearheaded by disgruntled retired and former serving members of the nation’s security services. This audacious move directly challenges President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s controversial bid to extend his presidential term beyond the constitutionally mandated two-term limit. The party’s leadership, comprising former security officer Moses Kumbweya as president, Constance Zulu as deputy president, and Oscar Chaza as organising secretary, has publicly pledged to restore discipline and accountability within the government, while vehemently opposing what they describe as a dangerous power-grab by the ruling elite.
The formation of the Guardians of Zimbabwe is not merely a political manoeuvre; it represents a profound disillusionment within a segment of the country’s security establishment, historically a bedrock of support for the ruling Zanu PF party. Mr. Kumbweya, a former security officer, articulated the party’s foundational ethos, stating, “For years, we wore the uniforms of this nation in the army, the police and prison services. We swore an oath not to any political party or individual, but to Zimbabwe and her people.” This statement highlights a perceived betrayal of that oath by the current administration, particularly concerning the proposed Constitutional Amendment No 3 Bill (CAB 3).
CAB 3, which has already navigated its way through both the National Assembly and Senate, seeks to extend presidential and parliamentary terms and, crucially, transfer the power to elect the president from the public to Parliament. This legislative push has been met with widespread condemnation from civil society organisations, opposition parties, and even some dissenting voices within the ruling party itself. The Guardians of Zimbabwe view these amendments as a calculated attempt to consolidate power and circumvent democratic processes, effectively entrenching a one-party state. “As retired soldiers, we took an oath to defend the constitution, not to see it rewritten for the benefit of a few,” Mr. Kumbweya asserted, adding, “We cannot stand by while those in power engineer a legal coup to stay beyond their mandate.”
The legal battle surrounding Mnangagwa’s term extension has been as contentious as the political debate. Six liberation war veterans, represented by constitutional law expert Professor Lovemore Madhuku, took Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 to court, challenging the move to end direct presidential elections and extend the presidential term. Their arguments centred on the breach of constitutional duties regarding public integrity and the separation of powers. However, the Constitutional Court has reportedly dismissed the war veterans’ challenge against Amendment Bill No. 3, a decision that has been met with mixed reactions and further fuels the debate on the independence of the judiciary in Zimbabwe.
The historical context of military involvement in Zimbabwean politics is crucial to understanding the current dynamics. The military has long been a powerful force, often seen as the ultimate arbiter of power. The 2017 military intervention that led to the ousting of long-time ruler Robert Mugabe and brought Mnangagwa to power is a stark reminder of this influence. While initially hailed by some as a necessary transition, critics argue that it set a dangerous precedent, blurring the lines between military and civilian rule. The current opposition from a segment of war veterans, who were instrumental in the liberation struggle and often seen as aligned with the ruling party, signifies a significant crack within this historically unified front.
The economic ramifications of prolonged political uncertainty in Zimbabwe cannot be overstated. The country has grappled with severe economic challenges for decades, including hyperinflation, high unemployment, and a struggling currency. The introduction of the ZiG currency was an attempt to stabilise the economy, and recent reports indicate a period of relative stability with single-digit inflation rates in early 2026. However, the political instability surrounding the term extension bid threatens to undermine these fragile gains. Investors are wary of unpredictable political environments, and continued uncertainty could deter much-needed foreign direct investment, exacerbate capital flight, and further erode public confidence in the economy. The plight of ordinary citizens, particularly civil servants and pensioners, whose livelihoods have been severely impacted by inflation and economic instability, remains a central concern for the Guardians of Zimbabwe.
Constance Zulu, the deputy president of the Guardians of Zimbabwe, passionately articulated the party’s commitment to the welfare of ordinary citizens. “I, too, swore an oath to serve Zimbabwe, an oath that does not expire when the uniform comes off,” she declared, highlighting the persistent challenges faced by many Zimbabwean families, including hunger, unemployment, and declining living standards, despite the nation’s abundant resources. Organising secretary Oscar Chaza echoed these sentiments, expressing deep concern for the hardships endured by civil servants, including teachers, nurses, police officers, and members of the defence forces, as well as pensioners whose retirement benefits have been eroded by relentless inflation.
This unfolding political drama is not just about a constitutional amendment; it is a battle for the soul of Zimbabwe. It pits a segment of the old guard, represented by the disgruntled war veterans, against the current leadership, with the future of democratic governance and economic stability hanging in the balance. The public, particularly the youth, are increasingly vocal in their demands for accountability and good governance, adding another powerful dimension to this complex political equation. The coming months will undoubtedly be crucial in determining whether Zimbabwe succumbs to further political instability or finds a path towards genuine democratic renewal and economic prosperity.