Sikhala says Mnangagwa extending term to “protect the loot” and cover rights abuses

Zimbabwean opposition politician Job Sikhala has accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa of seeking to extend his term of office in order to shield himself against alleged corruption and human rights abuses, as debate intensifies over the proposed Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill, 2026.

Speaking in an interview on Channel Africa, Sikhala claimed the constitutional changes were “not for the service of the people of Zimbabwe” but instead a “self-saving programme” designed to protect what he described as looting by political elites and abuses committed during Mnangagwa’s tenure.

“There is no doubt to many Zimbabweans that this is not for the service of the people of Zimbabwe, but it is a self-saving programme by Emmerson Mnangagwa to protect the looting that has been taking place during his reign, to protect the human rights abuses that have been taking place in our country to protect the elite that has been owning Zimbabwe at the expense of the majority of our people,” he stated.

The former Zengeza West MP said there was widespread “despair, discontentment and anger” among citizens over attempts to prolong the President’s rule to 2030.

The controversial Bill, recently approved by Cabinet, proposes sweeping amendments to Zimbabwe’s constitutional framework. Among its most significant provisions is the repeal of Section 92, which currently provides for the direct election of the President by voters.

Under the proposed changes, the President would instead be elected by Members of Parliament sitting jointly. The Bill also seeks to extend presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years and explicitly apply the new term to the incumbent.

Government has defended the reforms, saying they are intended to reinforce constitutional governance, improve institutional efficiency and enhance long-term national stability.

Authorities argue the amendments will harmonise Zimbabwe’s governance structures with practices in other jurisdictions.

Sikhala said Zimbabwe’s National Democratic Working Group (NDWG), the organisation he leads, has formally petitioned the African Union (AU), urging it to invoke its Constitutive Act and related protocols to prevent what he described as an unconstitutional change of government.

He cited Article 30 of the AU’s Constitutive Act, which opposes unconstitutional changes in member states.

Sikhala said if the AU Commission fails to act, his group intends to approach the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Banjul, The Gambia, to challenge the Zimbabwean government over alleged violations of democratic principles.

Separately, exiled former Cabinet minister Saviour Kasukuwere described the proposed term extension as a “constitutional coup” and “political fraud,” accusing Mnangagwa of attempting to change the rules midstream for personal survival.

He called on Zimbabweans to defend the Constitution, arguing that term limits are a critical safeguard against abuse of power.

“This shall be rejected and every Zimbabwean must get involved and defend the law. Someone on a 5 year contract wants to unilaterally change the rules of the game midway to suit personal interests! He wants to manipulate it for survival. A clear constitutional coup!

“Truly a leopard never changes its spots! We can’t remain indifferent to this madness. It’s about the present and future of our people,” Kasukuwere stated.

The Bill also proposes changes to judicial appointments, electoral administration and the structure of independent commissions, including transferring certain electoral functions from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to the Registrar-General and creating a new Delimitation Commission appointed by the President.

Experts say that the amendments would require approval by Parliament and, depending on their classification, could trigger the need for a referendum.

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who is vying to replace Mnangagwa when his second and last term in office ends in 2028, is opposed to the 2030 agenda. He snubbed the Zanu-PF politburo meeting this week in protest against Mnangagwa’s maneuvers.