Nelson Chamisa is the former president of Citizens United for Change.
analysis
WAfter the death of Morgan Tsvangirai, Nelson Chamisa emerged as Zimbabwe's main opposition leader, whose youthful charisma helped him secure a stellar performance in Zimbabwe.
2018 and 2023 elections.
But the veteran guard, who formed the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) with Tsvangirai in 1999, believed in an age-based hierarchy and felt disrespected. It also didn't help that due process was not followed in determining Mr Chamisa's successor, and Mr Chamisa fell out with Mr Tsvangirai's deputy, Thokozani Kufe.
After further splits in the MDC and bitter disputes over party name and funding, Chamisa founded Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) in 2022.
Fearing infiltration, he abandoned traditional party organizations and instead built a “people's movement” under his leadership. However, Chamisa made it more difficult to do so by concentrating power among himself and his lieutenants such as Fazai Mahele, Amos Chibaya, and Gift Sijiba.
Rebuilding relationships with prominent figures like Tendai Biti and Welshman Ncube.
The lack of a clear party organization left the CCC vulnerable to confusion
As for who was in charge.
This has led to a shadowy figure, Sengezo Tsabangu, who claims to be a founding member of the MDC, announces himself as the CCC Secretary-General and subsequently targets elected CCC MPs and city councilors, ensuring that their nominations do not follow procedures. It became painfully clear that they were “recalled” on false claims that they had not. .
Mr Tsabangu is believed to be working for the Zanu-PF government, which facilitated the recall in parliament and the courts.
And rumors persist that his actions are supported by former MDC leaders who have points to settle.
If the plan was to force Chamisa out of office, it was a success with Chamisa's resignation on January 25th.
No clear statement has been made regarding his future.
The vacuum this created led to a toxic succession battle. With rivals such as Tsabangu, Promise Mkwananzi and Jameson Timba vying for supremacy, the opposition's credibility and cohesion could not be any lower.
Edson Giso is a lecturer in the School of Politics and International Relations at the University of Adelaide.This analysis was produced in collaboration with African Democracy
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