Nelson Chamisa, the former leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), believes that Zimbabwe’s economic challenges can be resolved through negotiations. In a recent interview, Chamisa emphasized the need for him and President Emmerson Mnangagwa to engage in talks to address the 2023 elections and move the country forward.
However, this stance appears to be misguided. President Mnangagwa has always been open to discussions with any political leader who presents ideas that benefit the nation. Chamisa, having stepped down as the leader of CCC, no longer represents a constituency, which diminishes his standing to request an audience with the President.
After the 2018 elections, President Mnangagwa initiated the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) to bring together all presidential election candidates for negotiations. Despite this, Chamisa declined to participate in POLAD, preferring to pursue separate negotiations. This desire for special treatment raises questions about the true purpose of his current negotiation push.
Since the 2023 elections, President Mnangagwa has continued his efforts to improve Zimbabwe without relying on political negotiations. The country has seen significant infrastructural development, and the introduction of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency in April 2024 has helped stabilize prices. These achievements have been made without the need for negotiations with Chamisa or other political actors.
Currently, Zimbabwe is hosting the SADC Heads of State Summit, with preparations proceeding smoothly. Chamisa, as a former CCC leader who rejected POLAD, should recognize that his opportunity to negotiate with President Mnangagwa has passed. It’s time for him to move on and accept the progress being made without his involvement.
