Opposition politician Nelson Chamisa has once again called for inclusive national dialogue, urging Zimbabweans to “find each other and walk in unity” amid growing concern that deepening political, social and economic divisions are eroding the country’s prospects for recovery and development.
In a Unity Day statement released on Monday, Chamisa warned that hatred, intolerance and disunity have become deeply entrenched across Zimbabwean society, extending beyond politics into institutions, churches, families and everyday social interactions. He said these divisions have left the nation “deeply fractured politically, socially and economically,” undermining both social cohesion and economic progress.
Chamisa’s remarks come at a time of heightened political polarisation, marked by persistent rivalry between the ruling Zanu-PF party and a weakened, fragmented opposition. The opposition landscape has splintered into multiple formations, battered by internal power struggles, recalls of legislators, prolonged court disputes and competing claims to legitimacy.
Once regarded as a formidable political force, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), which Chamisa previously led, has been particularly affected by internal divisions. The party has been beset by parallel structures and rival leadership claims, developments that critics say have severely diminished its effectiveness and reduced its presence in Parliament to a shadow of its former influence.
Chamisa Presses for Dialogue Amid Political Stalemate
Beyond formal politics, the tone of national discourse has also deteriorated, particularly on social media platforms. Political debate has increasingly been characterised by personal attacks, misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric. Observers say this “politics of hatred” has widened existing fault lines, making constructive engagement and dialogue more difficult.
Chamisa argued that Unity Day should not be treated as a symbolic or ceremonial event, but rather as a reminder of the urgent need for genuine, inclusive national engagement aimed at rebuilding trust and fostering reconciliation.
“Zimbabweans must find each other and walk in unity, celebrating their unity in diversity,” Chamisa said. “We must build a shared vision that unites all Zimbabweans under a common trajectory — the Zimbabwe we desire, the Zimbabwe we want and the Zimbabwe we demand.”
He added that for decades, the nation has allowed division, intolerance and hostility to define its politics and social relations. As a result, he said, commemorations of unity ring hollow when long-standing grievances remain unresolved.
Chamisa cited the continued lack of closure on historical injustices such as Gukurahundi, persistent electoral disputes and political parties plagued by violence, intolerance and internal conflict as evidence that national reconciliation remains incomplete. He also highlighted widening socio-economic inequalities, rising unemployment and deepening poverty as factors that have further fractured society.
According to Chamisa, the continued migration of skilled professionals and the resulting brain drain have weakened institutions and robbed the country of the human capital needed for national development. He said these challenges are compounded by a political culture that thrives on blame, confrontation and division.
“The negative energy we waste fighting one another, pulling each other down and plotting against each other could instead be redirected toward productive solutions and meaningful collaboration,” he said. “Too often, we are quick to blame others, yet we fail to recognise that, in many ways, we have become our own greatest enemy.”
He accused those in power of abandoning their responsibility to unite the nation, arguing that political leaders have too often prioritised personal enrichment, partisan interests and political survival over national healing and social cohesion.
Political analysts have echoed Chamisa’s concerns, pointing to the continued arrests and detention of opposition politicians, activists and government critics as symptoms of growing intolerance within the political system. They argue that the use of law enforcement and the criminal justice system to suppress dissent has narrowed democratic space, entrenched mistrust and created a climate of fear that is incompatible with meaningful dialogue.
Chamisa said institutions meant to safeguard justice, fairness and accountability have been weakened or captured, allowing corruption and impunity to flourish. “Promises of reconciliation, equitable development and social cohesion have largely gone unfulfilled, leaving citizens disillusioned and the nation fragmented,” he said. “True unity requires not only understanding but concrete mechanisms to resolve disputes and foster national cohesion.”
He also called for a lasting solution to Zimbabwe’s recurring electoral crises, describing them as a foundational issue that must be addressed to unlock broader national reform. “Zimbabwe must honour and respect the voice of its citizens, doing away with contested and discredited national processes and outcomes,” Chamisa said. “Resolving this foundational challenge is critical to addressing the nation’s deeper political, social and economic problems.”
Source- Byo24
