HARARE – Zimbabbwe’s main opposition leader Nelson Chamisa said on Thursday he was quitting the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party, citing infiltration and sabotage by the ruling ZANU PF.
Chamisa, who challenged President Emmerson Mnangagwa in the disputed 2023 election, said he was no longer part of the CCC, which he accused of being hijacked by ZANU PF agents to undermine his legitimacy and derail his reform agenda.
“This is to officially, and under my hand, inform you fellow citizens of Zimbabwe and the world, that, with immediate effect, I no longer have anything to do with CCC,” Chamisa said in a statement.
“As a patriot, I remain active in public service. I also remain a loyal citizen listener, freedom advocate, a citizens’ champion and leader. My focus remains fully on Zimbabwe, asserting your victory, honoring the citizens mandate and God’s calling to provide leadership.”
“There are fresh things we need to do. Let’s all work together for total freedom, true change and wholistic transformation for our beloved country. Giving up or giving in is not an option. Nothing comes without tenacity and resilience.”
Chamisa said he had faced numerous challenges and obstacles since forming the CCC in 2021, including intimidation, violence, and attempts to disqualify his candidates. He said the 2023 election was marred by anomalies, irregularities, and manipulations, and that an imposter had emerged within the CCC to destabilize the opposition.
He accused Mnangagwa of employing illegal methods and criminal strategies to consolidate his authoritarian rule, leading to the collapse of the economy and social order.
Chamisa urged Zimbabweans to rally behind a call for comprehensive political, electoral, and constitutional reforms, and to reject the “contaminated” CCC, which he said was an extension of ZANU PF’s agenda.
“We call upon all citizens to rally behind fresh politics, new politics and genuine fresh and credible leaders who want to serve and not to be served. ZANU PF can take everything that we sweated for, take the party and its name, take the money and whoever is a beneficiary of this fraud, is a certified fraudster,” Chamisa said.
He vowed to commit to public service, and promised to keep citizens posted on the next steps. He expressed hope for a “New Great Zimbabwe” that would restore democracy, dignity, and prosperity.
Chamisa’s departure from the Citizens’ Coalition for Change is expected to create a rift within the party, as some members will follow him to a new movement, while others will remain loyal to Tshabangu, who declared himself the interim secretary general of the CCC.
The split will also affect the representation of the opposition in parliament, as councilors and lawmakers must choose sides, with some insiders expecting many defections
