by Gideon Madzikatidze
HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s bid to extend his term beyond 2028 has suffered a major setback, with former security chiefs (names supplied) refusing to endorse his unconstitutional quest. The Ex-Security Members for Economic Development (X-SECM4ED), a newly formed ZANU-PF affiliate, has allegedly failed to recruit retired members of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO), military and police, citing reservations about their previous oaths of service.
The snub is seen as a significant blow to Mnangagwa’s ambitions, with opposition politicians questioning the ethics of former security bosses supporting his bid.
“It’s unethical for former bosses to compromise their positions and influence currently serving members of the force,” said Agency Gumbo, CCC MP for Hatcliffe Constituency.
Analysts warn that the move could erode trust between civilians and security forces and undermine constitutional provisions.
Peace and Security analyst, Sydicks Muradzikwa said the emergence of Ex-Security Members for Economic Development signals an attempt to recycle old security networks into civilian politics and even if labelled retired, these actors still carry informal command influence and credibility among serving ranks.
“That blurring of civilian and security roles raises quiet risks to political neutrality and stability.
From a peace lens such groupings can intimidate communities without ever issuing an open threat,” Muradzikwa said.
“On a security dimension, they may normalise parallel mobilisation structures outside lawful party frameworks. In relation to the 2030 term extension argument, such groups are framed as loyal to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and meant to manufacture consent rather than legality,” Muradzikwa added.
“Zimbabwe’s Constitution is clear on presidential term limits and is difficult to be amended through pressure politics alone.
Support blocs drawn from former security elites may stiffen internal party resolve, but they do not cure constitutional illegitimacy,” he added.
Muradzikwa said the real danger is not a legal extension but the erosion of restraint around succession norms.
“Whether the plot succeeds depends less on slogans and more on elite cohesion within the state. If the ex security forces leadership remain institutionally disciplined the manoeuvre stalls. If factionalism deepens such formations could become rally points for hard-line enforcement politics,” Muradzikwa claims.
“Overall the chances of success are modest but the long-term cost to civil-security trust could be high,” Muradzikwa said.
Meanwhile, X-SECM4ED national chairperson, Innocent Chidhumo (popularly known as ‘Cde 2030 Zvoga’) has defended claims that his organisation has failed to attract and convince endorsement by powerful retired or former military, intelligence and police bosses including those serving under late President Robert Mugabe prior to military-backed coup that parachuted Mnangagwa in 2017.
“Our organisation is doing well and it has blessings of powerful retired military, police and intelligence personnel. Those claiming that we have failed to lure former security chiefs and retired high ranking characters are daydreaming,” Chidhoma said.
“The reason behind foundation of our affiliate organisation is premised on the realisation that President Mnangagwa has solely proved that he has capacity to develop this nation, and our calls are that he should be given extra time to further such development. Based on our membership which has so far exceeded 3500, we have realised that all former security personnel are endorsing President Mnangagwa’s term extension without doubts or second thoughts,” Chidhumo added.
Vice President General (Rtd) Constantino Chiwenga (who is perceived to be the main contenter in the succession battle) has not yet expressed opposition to the term extension, but on several public address or forums cites the need to respect and genuinely adhere to national constitutional dictates and constitutionalism. He also denounced endemic corruption levels on various occasions where he launched a war against a ‘clique’ of corrupt tenderpreneurs and economic saboteurs who regularly amass unexplained wealth whilst masses are wailing in abject poverty.
Thus Zimbabwean Constitution is clear on presidential term limits, and amendment through pressure politics alone is unlikely.
Mnangagwa’s bid is seen as a test of elite cohesion within the state, with the outcome dependent on the loyalty of security forces. If factionalism deepens, X-SECM4ED could become a rally point for hard-line enforcement politics.