The Assemblies of Minorities (AM), a new political party in Zimbabwe, opposes President Mnangagwa’s attempt to extend his presidency beyond 2028. Led by Chilumbo Mudenda, the party advocates for marginalized communities and plans to resist Zanu-PF’s constitutional amendments. Mudenda has criticized the ruling party’s manipulation of opposition and uneven development, emphasizing the need for structured protests but highlighting past risks associated with uncoordinated actions. AM envisions a socialist Mthwakazi State and aims to unify underprivileged populations against the status quo in Zimbabwe’s political landscape.
The Assemblies of Minorities (AM) has been established in Zimbabwe as a new political party opposing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s perceived agenda to extend his term beyond 2028. This newly formed party advocates for marginalized communities, particularly those in Matabeleland and parts of the Midlands, and has pledged to resist any constitutional amendments by Zanu-PF that may allow for an extension of Mnangagwa’s presidency.
Chilumbo Mudenda, the interim party leader, conveyed strong objections to what he considers unconstitutional attempts to prolong Mnangagwa’s rule during a press conference in Bulawayo. He stated, “We would like to put it categorically clear that there is nothing like that is going to happen. It is unconstitutional and a direct assault on democracy.” Mudenda affirmed that elections would occur in 2028, asserting that Mnangagwa would not contest in those elections.
Mudenda further accused the ruling Zanu-PF of efforts to manipulate opposition parties to realize its 2030 objectives and criticized the uneven distribution of development resources in neglected regions. Emphasizing the frustrations of the people in Matabeleland, he declared, “We have taken enough of everything, but we can’t do it any longer.”
The party has initiated its mobilization efforts against the proposed constitutional amendments. Mudenda expressed confidence in resisting any attempts for Mnangagwa to extend his presidency and indicated that AM has begun recruiting supporters for potential street protests should amendments be tabled in Parliament. While discussing planned protests on March 30, 2025, he emphasized that participation would depend on credible leadership directing the demonstrations.
Criticizing the current opposition’s reliance on social media for rallying support, Mudenda called for more structured organization and coordination. He referenced the August 1, 2018, protests, which were marked by violence and loss of life, underscoring the dangers of uncoordinated actions without established leadership.
Mudenda articulated AM’s vision of establishing a prosperous and socialist Mthwakazi State that embodies African unity. He acknowledged the pivotal moment of the party’s formation and its significance for addressing historical injustices in marginalized areas. He concluded by stating AM’s commitment to being a voice for underprivileged communities and fostering a robust grassroots movement against the prevailing political climate in Zimbabwe.
With its inception, the Assemblies of Minorities aims to significantly impact Zimbabwe’s political landscape, particularly concerning the resistance against Mnangagwa’s agenda and the advocacy for the rights of marginalized populations.
The emergence of the Assemblies of Minorities represents a significant challenge to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s push for a prolonged presidency beyond 2028. Led by Chilumbo Mudenda, the party seeks to advocate for marginalized communities in Matabeleland and Midlands, emphasizing the need for fair distribution of development resources. With mobilization efforts underway and a vision for a united and socialist state, AM is poised to participate actively in Zimbabwe’s political discourse, setting the stage for potential resistance against the current administration’s agenda.
Original Source: bulawayo24.com
