Harare – A clandestine alliance of retired military generals, operating under the moniker “Bloc of Rebels,” has reportedly emerged as a formidable challenge to the entrenched leadership of Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU-PF party. This development signals a deepening fissure within the nation’s political landscape, with former architects of power now seemingly intent on reshaping its future. The movement, fronted by Air Vice-Marshal (Retired) Henry Muchena, has brought to light a complex web of military-political manoeuvring, raising critical questions about the stability and direction of the country.
At the heart of this unfolding drama is Constitutional Amendment No. 3 (CA3), a legislative proposal that seeks to extend presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years. This amendment, perceived by many as a move to prolong President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure, has become a flashpoint for discontent, particularly among a faction of the military elite who once played a pivotal role in his ascent to power. The retired generals’ opposition to CA3 is not merely a political stance; it appears to be a manifestation of deeper grievances concerning economic mismanagement and the perceived erosion of democratic principles within the party they helped to establish and sustain.
The Genesis of Discontent: A Look at the ‘Bloc of Rebels’
The existence of the “Bloc of Rebels” was first brought to public attention through a petition submitted to Parliament in March 2026, opposing CA3 and demanding a national referendum. While Air Vice-Marshal (Rtd) Henry Muchena was the sole named signatory, investigations reveal a coordinated group of nine figures, all of whom were present at two consecutive meetings with President Mnangagwa in May 2026. These meetings, initially framed as an opportunity for the bloc to air their concerns, reportedly devolved into discussions where each member tabled personal grievances and sought government assistance, including diplomatic postings. This suggests a complex interplay of ideological opposition and personal ambition driving the rebellion.
The anonymity surrounding the majority of the bloc’s members is a deliberate operational choice, designed to shield participants from potential charges of subversion or mutiny, which would typically apply to serving soldiers. This strategy also allows them to claim legitimacy rooted in their liberation-war credentials, positioning themselves as guardians of the revolution’s original ideals. However, the deliberate secrecy also fuels speculation about their true motives and the extent of their influence.
Key Figures and Their Trajectories
Among the prominent figures identified within this covert group are individuals with significant military and political histories. Their profiles offer a glimpse into the diverse backgrounds and motivations coalescing within the “Bloc of Rebels”:
Air Vice-Marshal (Retired) Henry Muchena
Muchena, born Jabulani Mahlangu, is the public face and convener of the bloc. A ZANLA combatant during the Second Chimurenga, he rose through the ranks of the Air Force of Zimbabwe, retiring as an Air Vice-Marshal in June 2010. Post-retirement, he was deployed by the Joint Operations Command as ZANU-PF’s director of the commissariat, a role that saw him involved in the party’s campaign machinery.
Despite his current stance as a champion of human rights and democracy, Muchena’s past is not without controversy. Reports from November 2010 placed him at the head of a militarised electoral deployment, allegedly running ZANU-PF’s violent campaign machinery towards the 2013 elections. He was also accused of presiding over a violent “Operation Return to Zanu PF.” While specific attribution of violence to Muchena personally rests on press allegations rather than court findings, his history paints a picture of a figure deeply embedded in the party’s often-contentious political operations.
Muchena’s role in the 2017 events, which saw the ousting of Robert Mugabe, was notably absent, as he was aligned with the Mujuru/”Gamatox” camp and outside party structures. He was rehabilitated after Mnangagwa’s takeover, returning to a strategic party role. His current opposition to CA3, therefore, marks a significant shift in allegiance, or perhaps a re-alignment with a different faction within the broader liberation-war establishment.
Lieutenant-General (Retired) Martin Chedondo
Chedondo, a former Army Chief of Staff and Ambassador to China, is another key member of the bloc. He was among the senior officers retired by President Mnangagwa in February 2019 and subsequently posted as Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to China, a tenure that ended around April 2024. Chedondo was a central figure in Operation Restore Legacy, the military intervention that led to Mugabe’s removal, aligning himself with the Chiwenga-led faction.
His history is marked by outspoken declarations of military partisanship. In 2008, and again in 2012 and 2013, he famously told soldiers that “only mercenaries are apolitical,” urging those with differing views to “remove that uniform.” These statements have been cited by human rights organisations as evidence of unconstitutional partisanship within the military. His participation in the “Bloc of Rebels” is consistent with his historical alignment with the Chiwenga faction, suggesting a continued power struggle within the military’s upper echelons.
Major-General (Retired) Mike Nicholas Sango
Sango, a former Commander of Military Intelligence (MID) and Ambassador to Russia, also forms part of the rebel bloc. He retired in December 2017, having served as Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Russia from July 2015 until late 2024. Sango’s career includes brigade command, military adviser at Zimbabwe’s UN Permanent Mission, and director of operations in the SADC force in the DRC.
He is notably the subject of a serious, though unproven, allegation concerning the 2015 disappearance of activist Itai Dzamara. While no adjudicated corruption or asset case specific to him was found, the allegation underscores the murky intersection of military intelligence and political events in Zimbabwe.
The Broader Context: ZANU-PF’s Internal Power Struggles
The emergence of the “Bloc of Rebels” is not an isolated incident but rather a symptom of deeper, long-standing power struggles within ZANU-PF. The party has been grappling with internal divisions, particularly between factions loyal to President Mnangagwa and those aligned with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. This rivalry, which intensified after the 2017 coup, has seen purges of Chiwenga’s allies within the military and government, further exacerbating tensions.
The proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 3 is widely seen as a strategic move by Mnangagwa to consolidate his power and potentially extend his rule beyond the anticipated 2028 elections to 2030. This “2030 agenda” has been a recurring theme in ZANU-PF’s internal discourse, with various party organs and provincial chairmen endorsing Mnangagwa’s continued leadership. However, the strong opposition from a segment of the retired military leadership indicates that this agenda is far from universally accepted within the party’s traditional power base.
Economic Woes and Military Dissatisfaction
Underlying these political machinations are Zimbabwe’s persistent economic challenges. The country has been plagued by hyperinflation and currency instability, with the introduction of the ZiG currency in 2026 being the latest attempt to stabilise a volatile economy. The economic hardships have undoubtedly contributed to widespread discontent, including within the military ranks. While the “Bloc of Rebels” publicly cites concerns about economic mismanagement, it is plausible that the deteriorating economic conditions have also impacted the personal fortunes and influence of these retired generals, thereby fuelling their opposition.
The bloc’s most explosive public claim – that US$31 million was raised to buy MP votes for CA3 – remains unsubstantiated and is widely regarded as propaganda aimed at discrediting the government. However, the very act of making such an allegation, regardless of its veracity, highlights the intensity of the internal conflict and the willingness of the rebel faction to employ aggressive tactics in their challenge to the status quo.
The Blurred Lines Between Military and Politics
The involvement of retired generals in a direct challenge to the ruling party’s leadership underscores the enduring influence of the military in Zimbabwean politics. The lines between the army and the party have historically been blurred, with military figures often playing significant roles in civilian governance. This phenomenon, deeply rooted in the liberation struggle, continues to shape the country’s political trajectory.
The “Bloc of Rebels” represents a critical juncture in this ongoing narrative. It is a testament to the fact that even after retirement, military figures retain considerable sway and can mobilise to influence national affairs. Whether this rebellion is a genuine fight for democratic principles or merely a battle between powerful factions for control of national resources remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the actions of these retired generals will have profound implications for the future of ZANU-PF and the political stability of Zimbabwe.