Chin’ono Challenges Chamisa Over Opposition Coalition Criticism

Harare - Journalist and critic, Hopewell Chin'ono, has publicly challenged former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader, Nelson Chamisa, over his reported criticism of a new opposition coalition seeking to resist the proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 3.

In a post published on X, Chin’ono questioned Chamisa’s stance after reports emerged that the former opposition leader had dismissed the coalition as ineffective and lacking grassroots support.

“Does Nelson Chamisa want Zimbabweans to simply sit back and watch? Does he expect people to wait for him to return from America before an opposition movement can emerge?” Chin’ono wrote.

He argued that Chamisa had previously encouraged citizens to organise independently and build new political alternatives outside traditional opposition structures.

Chin’ono said it was therefore contradictory for Chamisa to criticise groups now mobilising against Constitutional Amendment No. 3.

“What sensible opposition figure attacks people who are standing up against the abuse of the Constitution by a ZANU PF faction?” he added.

The controversy follows remarks attributed to Chamisa in the Daily News, in which he reportedly described a proposed opposition coalition involving a CCC Senator  and constitutional law expert  as “hopeless” and driven by elites rather than ordinary citizens.

Constitutional Amendment No. 3 has become a major political flashpoint in Zimbabwe, with critics alleging that the proposed changes could strengthen executive authority and potentially pave the way for the extension of presidential terms without adequate public consultation.

Public hearings held across the country have exposed deep divisions among political actors, civil society organisations and ordinary citizens over the proposed amendment.

Chamisa has not publicly responded to Chin’ono’s criticism. His formal political role remains unclear following the fragmentation of the CCC and his withdrawal from active party leadership.

Meanwhile, reactions on social media remained sharply divided.

Some users accused Chamisa of weakening opposition unity at a critical moment, while others defended his position, arguing that fragmented coalitions without a clear strategy would struggle to gain national support.

The exchange has once again highlighted growing tensions within Zimbabwe’s opposition ranks as debate intensifies over Constitutional Amendment No. 3 and the future direction of resistance politics in the country.