HARARE – Former Zimbabwean Finance Minister and prominent opposition figure Tendai Biti has delivered a grim assessment of Zimbabwe’s current state, declaring the nation to be “on a knife edge” amidst persistent political and economic turmoil.
Biti has highlighted deep-seated political and economic tensions that continue to plague the nation more than 40 years after independence.
He reiterated his commitment to constitutionalism, the rule of law, and peaceful democratic change. He emphasised the ongoing struggle for a “just, modern, transparent, accountable, equitable, green, and prosperous Zimbabwe.”
“We restate for the record that we stand on the broad and principled position of constitutionalism and the rule of law. We stand on the unquestionable aspiration to achieve peaceful democratic change in Zimbabwe.
“We stand on the mission of transformation and the establishment of a just modern transparent accountable equitable green and prosperous Zimbabwe Over the years we have pursued with vigor this dream of a New Zimbabwe.
“We have defended the constitution and human rights,” he wrote on his X handle.
Biti criticised what he perceives as attempts to undermine the constitution, specifically referencing the “third term agenda” which aims to amend the constitution to allow the current President to remain in office beyond the constitutionally stipulated two terms until 2030.
He alleged that these agendas are driven by corruption and a desire to protect illicit gains, and he condemned the influence of “cartels, bandits, charlatans, and brigands” in Zimbabwean politics.
“We are totally opposed to the Third Term agenda and its cousin agenda 2030. We make no apology for this. We firmly believe that this is an agenda spurned by corruption and the need to protect lucre loot and ill begotten sachets.
“We therefore stand firmly against cartels, bandits, charlatans and brigands who have been looting Zimbabwe for decades. We object to dangerous attempts to elevate some of these looters into the country’s corridors of power.
“We are not members of Zanu-PF. We refuse to be drawn in their endless toxic factions and power struggles,” Biti stated.
The former Finance Minister attributed the country’s precarious situation to “structural economic mismanagement”. He proposed a national dialogue and the establishment of a National Transitional Authority as potential solutions to address the prevailing crisis.
The economic challenges facing Zimbabwe include high inflation, unemployment, and a struggling currency. These issues, coupled with political tensions, have contributed to a sense of uncertainty among the population.
The ruling Zanu-PF party is grappling with internal succession fights featuring Mnangagwa and his deputy Constantino Chiwenga. Mnangagwa’s alleged plan to extend his term of office is facing sharp resistance from Chiwenga who harbours ambitions to replace the incumbent.
But Mnangagwa has declined to anoint the former Army General as his successor. This has resulted in massive factionalism within the ruling party.
