Zimbabwe changes could keep Mnangagwa in power to 2030

Zimbabwe's constitutional changes could allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until at least 2030, while opposition groups challenge the amendments in court and calls spread for protests or a national stayaway.

The amendments, signed into law on July 7, scrap presidential elections and extend parliamentary and presidential terms from five to seven years. Mnangagwa, 83, had been due to finish his second term in 2028.

Opposition groups have argued that the changes should be put to a referendum and have accused Mnangagwa's Zanu-PF of undermining democracy to strengthen its long hold on power.

Calls have also emerged on social media for demonstrations or a national stayaway on Friday. The newly formed People's Coalition, launched by prominent opposition figures as the amendments moved through the Zanu-PF-majority parliament, has been the main group to support a stayaway.

Reaction among residents interviewed by AFP was mixed. Stephen Ngwere, a 35-year-old phone accessories seller in Harare, criticised the amendments but said he was unsure whether he would join any protest action. Bruce Peter, an unemployed 31-year-old Harare resident, dismissed the calls as opposition mischief.

The Zimbabwe Council of Churches on Tuesday backed calls for a referendum, citing “deepening national polarisation” and serious dispute over the amendments. It said any protests should be peaceful and urged authorities to avoid arbitrary arrests, collective punishment, intimidation or the use of force.

Zanu-PF says the constitutional changes will bring stability and policy continuity. An IMF review this week said Zimbabwe recorded growth of 8.3 percent in 2025, supported by improved agricultural production, mining activity and gold prices.

Some Zimbabweans interviewed by AFP said the reported growth had not improved their lives. Tendai, a 40-year-old teacher in Bulawayo who gave only one name for fear of retaliation, said she opposed the amendments but would only join protest action led by a convincing opposition group.

Analyst Brian Raftopoulos said the weakening of Zimbabwe's main opposition and fear of repression had left little room for organised dissent. Analyst Reason Wafawarova said a muted public reaction to the amendments reflected fear, political fatigue and limited civic space rather than support.