- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been given a 24-hour ultimatum.
- The demand is to reinstate former Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) chairperson, Dr. Florence Ziyambi-Majome.
- Her ouster has been deemed unconstitutional by a civil society group.
- The ultimatum was issued by the Constitution Defenders Forum.
The demand for Dr. Majome’s reinstatement follows her abrupt ‘reassignment’ by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Legal experts and civil society groups argue that the President’s actions circumvent constitutional provisions governing the removal of independent commission heads. The move has sparked a wider debate on the independence of state institutions and adherence to the rule of law in Zimbabwe.
This controversy comes amidst heightened political tensions and calls for electoral reforms in the country. The Constitution Defenders Forum’s decisive action underscores growing concerns over governance and human rights in Zimbabwe.
Timeline
- **April 14, 2026 (6:14 AM):** News breaks about the 24-hour ultimatum for President Mnangagwa regarding Majome’s reinstatement.
- **April 14, 2026:** A vigilante group reportedly threatens rights lawyer David Coltart over his criticism of the Constitutional Amendment Bill.
- **April 11, 2026:** Lawyers state that President Mnangagwa ‘bungled’ on removing ZHRC Chair Majome.
Key Players
- **President Emmerson Mnangagwa:** President of Zimbabwe, responsible for the ‘reassignment’ of Dr. Majome.
- **Dr. Florence Ziyambi-Majome:** Former Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission.
- **Constitution Defenders Forum:** The civil society group that issued the 24-hour ultimatum.
- **David Coltart:** Rights lawyer, potentially threatened in connection with constitutional issues.
