Chamisa Quits CCC in Shock Move, Accuses Tshabangu of “Hijacking the Movement”
In a move that has sent shockwaves through Zimbabwe’s political landscape, opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has resigned from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), the party he founded in 2022.
This dramatic decision comes after months of internal turmoil within the CCC, triggered by the actions of self-proclaimed Secretary General Sengezo Tshabangu. Tshabangu, whose legitimacy as party leader has been contested by Chamisa and a significant portion of the CCC membership, has been accused of undermining the party’s structures and legitimacy.
His controversial actions included unilaterally recalling elected members from Parliament and local councils, weakening the CCC’s representation and causing deep divisions within the movement.
In a brief statement released today, Chamisa accused Tshabangu of “hijacking the movement for personal gain and derailing the struggle for change.” He further stated that he cannot “in good conscience remain part of a party that has been so blatantly betrayed by its own leadership.”
This sudden development leaves the future of the CCC highly uncertain. The party, once seen as a formidable challenge to the ruling ZANU-PF, now faces the immediate task of choosing a new leader and navigating the internal fallout from Chamisa’s departure.
Supporters of the CCC are reacting with a mix of shock and dismay. While some express understanding of Chamisa’s decision, others fear it could spell the end of the party’s momentum. Critics, however, have labelled Chamisa’s resignation as a “petulant reaction” and an attempt to avoid accountability for the CCC’s recent setbacks.
With Zimbabwe’s next general election just two years away, the political landscape has dramatically shifted once again. It remains to be seen how the CCC will weather this storm and whether they can regroup to pose a serious challenge to President Mnangagwa’s rule.
This is a developing story. We will provide updates as further information becomes available.
