Zimbabwe Faces Political Unrest: Opposition Rises Against Constitutional Changes

A broad coalition of churches, labour unions, civic groups, students, war veterans, and opposition political actors in Zimbabwe has launched a nationwide campaign to challenge the country's newly enacted constitutional amendments. This coalition, initially known as Sungano yeVanhu-Ubumbano Lomphakathi (Alliance of the People), has formally transitioned into the Constitutional Restoration Movement. The group's primary objective is to resist legislation that critics argue further entrenches President Emmerson Mnangagwa's rule, particularly after he signed Constitutional Amendment Act No. 6 of 2026, formerly Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), into law.

Convened by Reverend Dr. Kupukwashe Mtata, the movement brings together a diverse array of stakeholders. These include churches, constitutional advocacy groups, labour organisations, students, women's organisations, residents' associations, liberation war veterans, civic organisations, and opposition political leaders. Prominent figures within the coalition include former Finance Minister and lawyer Tendai Biti, Professor Lovemore Madhuku, Jameson Timba, Jacob Ngarivhume, and Munyaradzi Gwisayi, among others.

The launch of the Constitutional Restoration Movement marks the first coordinated response from the nation's most influential anti-CAB3 coalition since the President assented to the controversial law. Reverend Mtata stated at a press briefing that while their initial struggle was to defend the Constitution from violation, their current fight is to restore constitutional order. Consequently, the movement is launching the