Zimbabwe opposition launches election campaign amid setbacks
July 17, 2023
Nelson Chamisa is a 45-year-old lawyer and pastor who is planning to take on Emerson Mnangagwa at Zimbabwe's election next month. His party says the government has tried to stop more than 90 of its rallies.
Nelson Chamisa is running a campaign to stop corruption and share Zimbabwe's mineral wealthImage: Zinyange Auntony/AFP/ Getty Images
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Zimbabwe's main opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa, launched his election campaign on Sunday after multiple bans of planned rallies.
Chamisa promised to tackle corruption and end the ruling elite's misuse of the country's mineral resources.
"All we see is poverty, unemployment and millions going to the diaspora," he told a large crowd of supporters in Gweru, some about 300 kilometers (186 miles) southwest of Harare.
Chamisa vows to overcome government crackdowns
Chamisa's party, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), claimed the government had blocked over 90 of its rallies since the group was founded early last year.
"They have been banning our campaigns, but no one will ban us from people's hearts," Chamisa said to thunderous applause in Gweru.
He is hoping to achieve an unprecedented victory in local, parliamentary, and presidential elections on August 23.
"You cannot stop an idea whose time has come," he said. "They can stop our meetings but they cannot stop people from loving me."
Who is Nelson Chamisa?
Chamisa is a 45-year-old politician, lawyer and pastor. He became Zimbabwe's youngest-ever presidential candidate in the 2018 disputed poll.
That election was won by Emerson Mnangagwa, who took over from strongman ruler Robert Mugabe in 2017 after a military coup.
The week that changed Zimbabwe
President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe was removed as the ZANU-PF party's leader after holding the post for 37 years. The party’s youth league, the military and his supporters also withdrew from backing Mugabe.
Image: picture-alliance/AP Photo/B.Curtis
Mnangagwa, Grace Mugabe go head to head
In November 2018, Robert Mugabe dismissed his vice president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, after accusing him of "plotting a coup against the government." Some Zimbabweans feared Mugabe was grooming his wife, Grace Mugabe, to take over in the event of his death.
Image: Getty Images/AFP/J. Njikizana
Chiwenga's warning
On November 13, 2017, General Constantino Chiwenga, commander of Zimbabwe's Defense Force, warned that the army could "step in" to save the country from political tension and economic crisis.
Image: Getty Images/AFP/J. Njikizana
Tanks in Harare
Military and armored vehicles were seen at the outskirts of Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, on November 14, 2017. On the same day, the military also took over the state-run broadcaster ZBC.
Image: Reuters/P. Bulawayo
Mugabe safe in army hands
On November 15, 2017, Major General SB Moyo, the military spokesman, announced on the ZBC that Mugabe and his family were "safe and sound and their security was guaranteed." He said the military was targeting "criminals around" Mugabe who were "committing crimes that are causing social and economic suffering."
Image: Reuters/ZBC
A 'smiling' Mugabe meets Chiwenga
On November 16, 2017, General Constantino Chiwenga, along with other officials, was seen in military uniform meeting President Robert Mugabe (C) at the State House. It was reported that Mugabe was smiling as they both shook hands. However, the leaders of ZANU-PF announced that there was "no going back."
Image: Reuters/Zimpapers/J. Nyadzayo
Mugabe puts in a public appearance
After being placed under house arrest, Mugabe appeared publicly at a university graduation ceremony on November 17, 2017. Here, a military officer adjusts a chair for Mugabe, who is dressed in a blue-and-yellow academic gown, to sit on after arriving to preside over the ceremony. Mugabe, who was reportedly tired, was then caught falling asleep.
Image: picture-alliance/AP Photo/B. Curtis
Zimbabweans call on Mugabe to go
On November 18, 2017, residents of the capital, Harare, held a protest with anti-Mugabe placards demanding the president's resignation. Veterans of the independence war, activists and ruling party leaders called publicly for Mugabe to be forced from office.
Image: Getty Images/AFP/Z. Auntony
Mugabe ousted from ZANU-PF leadership
Zimbabwean War Veterans leader Chris Mutsvangwa (R) arrived at a meeting of the ruling ZANU-PF party in Harare November 19, 2017. After hours of deliberation, the party announced that it had decided to fire Mugabe as leader of the party.
Image: Reuters/P. Bulawayo
Mugabe does not step down
Many expected that after being recalled as ZANU-PF party leader, President Mugabe would use his address to the nation resign with dignity. Zimbabweans were left shocked after the rambling speech made no reference to him stepping down. Mugabe now faces impeachment, with proceedings believed to be starting on Tuesday.
Image: Getty Images/AFP/Str
End of an era
Rather than face impeachment proceedings, Robert Mugabe prompted dancing in the streets of Harare when he resigned on November 22. "My decision to resign is voluntary on my part and arises from my concern for the welfare of the people of Zimbabwe and my desire for a smooth, non-violent transfer of power," the 93-year-old said in a letter.
Image: picture-alliance/AP/T. Mukwazhi
Euphoria in Harare
Supporters of Emmerson Mnangagwa celebrate the end of four decades under Mugabe. Mnangagwa was joined by cheering crowds after he returned to Zimbabwe from exile in neighboring South Africa. He is expected to be sworn in on November 24.
Image: picture-alliance/AP Photo/B.Curtis
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Mnangagwa's party, the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF), has been in power since Zimbabwe became an independent country in 1980.
