Zimbabwe’s parliament voted late Thursday to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term until 2030, a move condemned by the UK High Commissioner as a step towards Commonwealth suspension. The constitutional amendment, pushed through by the ruling Zanu-PF party, abandons a 2013 two-term limit, effectively allowing Mnangagwa to stay in power until he chooses to leave. Sources inside the parliament confirm the vote was 178 in favour, with opposition MPs walking out in protest.
The High Commissioner, speaking on condition of anonymity, told this correspondent that ‘the Commonwealth is watching closely. If Zimbabwe continues down this path, suspension is a very real possibility.’ The United Kingdom, a key Commonwealth member, has been vocal against the move, calling it a ‘blatant power grab.
’ Documents uncovered by our team show that the amendment was fast-tracked without public consultation, raising questions about the legitimacy of the process. This comes as Zimbabwe’s economy spirals, with inflation above 500% and a currency that has lost 80% of its value this year. Critics argue that Mnangagwa is clinging to power to avoid facing corruption charges linked to the illicit diamond trade, where billions of dollars have vanished from state coffers.
The UK High Commissioner’s warning carries weight: Zimbabwe was suspended from the Commonwealth from 2002 to 2018 under Robert Mugabe. Renewed suspension would isolate the regime further, cutting off access to trade agreements and diplomatic channels. For now, the extension stands, but the clock is ticking.
If the Commonwealth council votes for suspension, Mnangagwa’s government will face its toughest test yet.
