Mnangagwa talks meeting with Chamisa – ZimEye

By Political Reporter – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has expressed his stance on engaging with Opposition Leader Nelson Chamisa.

His spokesman, George Charamba, said Mnangagwa had closed the door to dialogue with Chamisa.

The stance was reiterated in response to a call by economist Gift Mugano, who urged Zimbabweans of all political backgrounds to engage in dialogue to resolve the country’s pressing issues.

Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Mugano stressed the importance of unity and dialogue to overcome national challenges, citing historical examples such as the 1987 unity agreement between ZANU and ZAPU, and the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) by the MDC.
Mugano wrote:
“My fellow Zimbabweans, we have a record of showing that when we as Zimbabweans sit down and talk, we progress as a nation. The talks between ZANU and ZAPU, which led to the Unity Agreement in 1987 and the GNU in 1987 respectively, and between ZANU PF and the MDC are classic examples of the impact that dialogue can have. Likewise, we have a record of showing that when we unite, we can move mountains. We stood united against the Smith regime and defeated them in a hard-won armed struggle. Demonstrations will not help us resolve our differences/challenges. Likewise, repressing citizens will not help us resolve our challenges/differences… I call on leaders from business, churches, civil society, political parties, the Zimbabwean government, academia, labour and more to rise to the challenge and take the lead to establish an inclusive dialogue aimed at providing permanent solutions to our differences/challenges.”
Despite Mugano’s appeal, Charamba refused to talk to Chamisa, saying the opportunity for such negotiations had passed. He accused Mugano and human rights lawyer Thabani Mpofu of misleading Chamisa, leading to Chamisa’s political isolation. Charamba said:
“Professor, this is what I really think in my heart: Nguva yataida nhaurirano yakapfuura. This is the truth. Those who were keen on negotiations seized the opportunity and are communicating with the country. Those who chose not to participate in the dialogue because of your cheap advice, naAdvocate Fulcrum, will be excluded from it forever. What you are reaping on the eve of the elections is the drawbacks of your amateur political enthusiasm. You made Chamisa firm in wrong views; today he is in the wilderness you created, and you want to sound constructive, rational and clear-headed. You are part of a cabal of pseudo-intellectuals who are misleading young people. Today, you try to appease your conscience with a failed renegotiation. It is impossible!”
Chamisa has been politically erratic since January, when he announced his exit from the Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC), the party he helped found in 2022. He said the reason for his departure was infiltration by ZANU PF.
Nelson Chamisa remains a significant figure in Zimbabwean politics. Despite his current setbacks, his potential to galvanize opposition forces and challenge the ruling party is recognized. The ongoing discussions around dialogue and political reconciliation highlight the complexity of Zimbabwe’s political landscape and the lasting significance of Chamisa’s leadership in shaping the country’s future.

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