HARARE – The beleaguered opposition politician Nelson Chamisa formally announced his return to frontline politics on Friday, unveiling a new political roadmap branded Agenda 2026, which he described as a citizen-driven initiative aimed at “resetting Zimbabwe” after years of economic and political strain.
Addressing journalists, Chamisa said he had stepped back from active politics for nearly two years to allow space for new actors, but claimed that space had remained “vacant.” Framing his return in dramatic terms, he declared, “I am back on the floor to dance for my nation, for the citizens and for the future,” arguing that Zimbabwe stands at a “critical juncture.”
Chamisa painted a bleak picture of the country’s condition, citing economic hardship, political instability, social fragmentation and what he termed moral decline. He said many Zimbabweans continue to live without dignity or meaningful opportunity decades after independence. He also accused state institutions of being excessively partisan, arguing that this has weakened national unity and eroded public trust.
Central to his message was the claim that Zimbabwe’s long-running challenges stem from a governance crisis rooted in disputed elections, corruption and state capture. Chamisa dismissed calls to “move on” from past political disputes, insisting that unresolved structural and institutional issues must be addressed to avoid repeating historical failures.
However, his re-emergence has also revived scrutiny of his own leadership record. Critics, including some within opposition ranks, have previously accused Chamisa of struggling to build durable political structures, maintain party cohesion and develop strong internal democratic processes. His earlier political formations were marked by internal divisions, leadership disputes and organisational fragmentation, raising questions about whether Agenda 2026 can overcome the same structural weaknesses that hampered past opposition efforts.
Analysts note that while Chamisa has often demonstrated strong personal appeal and rhetorical skill, translating popular support into stable, institutional political machinery has proved more difficult. Some observers argue that without a clearly defined organisational framework and collective leadership model, the new initiative risks becoming personality-driven rather than institution-based.
Chamisa nevertheless described Agenda 2026 as a “clean break” from past compromises, saying it would prioritise citizens over parties and personalities. The plan aims to build a new national consensus, strengthen citizen participation, prepare the groundwork for a future “citizens’ government,” promote what he called a moral and values renewal, and intensify international advocacy through regional bodies such as SADC and engagement with the diaspora.
He added that the next 180 days would focus on legal, institutional and grassroots groundwork rather than rallies or mass demonstrations.
“Zimbabwe needs a fresh start,” Chamisa said. “The new dawn begins with us.”
Political observers say his return signals an attempt to reposition himself and the opposition ahead of future electoral cycles, but note that the success of Agenda 2026 may depend less on messaging and more on whether Chamisa can address longstanding concerns about leadership style, internal democracy and organisational discipline within his political movement.