In a significant political development, Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU-PF party announced on Saturday its intention to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term by two years, potentially keeping him in office until 2030. The decision, made during the party’s annual conference in Mutare, directs the government to initiate legislative amendments to alter the constitutional term limits. Currently, the constitution mandates that Mnangagwa step down in 2028 after completing two five-year terms. Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, who also serves as ZANU-PF’s legal secretary, confirmed the resolution, which was met with enthusiastic applause from hundreds of delegates. However, legal experts, including lecturer Lovemore Madhuku, argue that such a change might necessitate two referendums, adding complexity to the process. Mnangagwa, who has previously identified as a ‘constitutionalist,’ has not publicly endorsed the extension, though factions loyal to him have actively campaigned for it. Conversely, allies of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who played a pivotal role in the 2017 coup against former President Robert Mugabe, oppose the move. Chiwenga supporter Blessed Geza has used YouTube to criticize the campaign, garnering significant attention, though calls for protests have been subdued amid heightened police presence. The proposal echoes a broader trend in Africa, where constitutional amendments have been used to extend the rule of several leaders in recent years.