Political Correspondent
HARARE – Factional tensions within the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) faction aligned with former leader Nelson Chamisa have intensified dramatically, amid widespread speculation that Chamisa is poised to launch a new political movement soon.
Members of the camp, currently led by Jameson Timba, are reportedly locked in bitter internal struggles, “at each other’s throat” as they fiercely jostle for influence and proximity to Chamisa. The CCC, formed in January 2022, splintered into several factions following Chamisa’s resignation last year, with the Timba-led group claiming loyalty to the former leader.
Insiders describe a scene of “chaos” within Timba’s faction. Heated exchanges, name-calling, and public spats have become commonplace. Accusations are flying, with some members branding rivals as “Zanu PF proxies” disguised as Chamisa loyalists.
Social Media Battleground
The internal rifts have spilled onto social media platforms, including WhatsApp groups and X (formerly Twitter). Party activists are openly trading accusations and leaking private conversations in attempts to discredit opponents.
A source close to the developments directly linked the infighting to Chamisa’s anticipated return:
“The infighting is about who will be closest to Chamisa when he unveils his next political project. People are positioning themselves for influence, but it’s turning ugly.”
Targets and Accusations
Particular targets include CCC legislators and councillors who remained in their positions after recalls initiated by self-imposed secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu last year. Despite professing loyalty to Chamisa, these officials face accusations from some activists of siding with Tshabangu and Zanu PF.
One WhatsApp group, “CNA Social,” which includes prominent CCC supporters, former MPs, councillors, and leaders, recently erupted in a heated debate over a proposed “exclusion strategy” aimed at sidelining perceived sellouts. The exchanges reportedly turned “extremely hostile,” leading to critics of the strategy being removed from the group.
“Prefects” and Imposed Will
Criticism is also mounting against members accused of exploiting Chamisa’s name. A post circulating within party social media groups stated:
“We have noticed that we have some comrades who have appointed themselves prefects and policemen of mature people like us… That is nonsense, and it stops now… We have people who come to our provinces without our knowledge and impose their will… The most painful thing is that the people who are silencing others were not elected by us. They do so lying and abusing the name of our leader. Abusing his good name and good faith for their gain.”
Timba Cites Freedom of Speech
Contacted for comment, Jameson Timba acknowledged the existence of official party communication platforms governed by rules but distanced the party from regulating private conduct:
“However, the party cannot regulate the conduct of individuals in their private space because that is regulated by the country’s Bill of Rights. People have freedom of speech. How do I stifle that when it is what I am fighting for?”
Chamisa’s Next Move
While Nelson Chamisa himself has remained vague about his future plans, sources within his inner circle indicate that plans for a new political platform are “at an advanced stage.”
The escalating factionalism within the Timba-led camp is widely seen as a desperate scramble for relevance ahead of Chamisa’s anticipated launch.
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