Tensions escalate within the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) as rival factions, one led by self-proclaimed interim secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu and the other by party spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi, vie for the return of former leader Nelson Chamisa.
Following Chamisa’s resignation and subsequent power struggle within the party, both factions claim to be in talks with Chamisa to persuade him to reassume leadership of the CCC. However, internal conflicts and power plays have intensified, with reports of threats, blackmail, and name-dropping among party members.
Chamisa’s departure from the CCC presidency came after losing control to Tshabangu, who initiated a wave of recalls targeting party legislators and councillors. In the aftermath, certain party figures aligned with Tshabangu have reclaimed positions within the MDC 2019 structures, including Tendai Biti, Welshman Ncube, and Lynette Karenyi-Kore.
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While Biti asserted his role as vice-president of the CCC, Ncube reportedly chaired a meeting for Tshabangu’s faction, which resolved to revert to the MDC 2019 structures. Meanwhile, Hwende claimed to have conversed with Chamisa regarding his resignation, asserting that Chamisa remains resolute in not rejoining the opposition party.
However, Mkwananzi refuted Hwende’s assertions, labeling them as false claims aimed at legitimizing an alliance with Zanu PF. Mkwananzi reiterated Chamisa’s pivotal role in the democratic movement and vowed to defend his leadership until the attainment of a new Zimbabwe.
Concurrently, efforts from Tshabangu’s faction to engage Chamisa for his return are underway, with Marondera Central MP Caston Matewu leading the initiative. Yet, Senator Jameson Timba, appointed to oversee party affairs by the citizens’ national assembly, distanced himself from Matewu’s assertions, emphasizing adherence to the assembly’s resolutions.
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