A chorus of angry voices from across Zimbabwe’s political divide has erupted online after a United States lawmaker warned President Emmerson Mnangagwa against extending his stay in power — with many Zimbabweans telling Washington to “stay in its lane.”
From opposition sympathisers to ruling-party loyalists, the message was remarkably unified: Zimbabwe’s political future, they say, is for Zimbabweans to decide.
“Countries like the US should stay away from our Zim matters. We the people are going to decide for ourselves — we don’t want any big brother to come help us fix our family issues,” wrote one user on X, echoing thousands of similar posts.
Another added pointedly:
“Trump wants to run again in 2028. They have their own problems to fix before lecturing others.”
The backlash followed comments by US Congressman Gregory Meeks, who warned that moves to extend Mnangagwa’s term beyond 2028 would “erode Zimbabwe’s democratic foundation.”
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But the reaction on Zimbabwean social media was swift and cutting — a reminder that many citizens, even those disillusioned by the ruling Zanu PF, bristle at external interference.
Even those sceptical of Mnangagwa’s leadership are now rallying around a shared sentiment — that Zimbabwe’s political choices, right or wrong, are Zimbabwe’s to deal with.
“I don’t support a third term,” wrote one Zimbabwea “but ava ngavasiyane nema national matters edu. They have their own to deal with.”
“Unless the US government is willing to train and arm Zimbabweans for another Chimurenga, they should keep out of our revolution,” quipped another user, reflecting the frustration that foreign warnings rarely translate into meaningful action.
“Condemn US aggression in Venezuela or its sanctions on Cuba first,” one user shot back. “Don’t cherry-pick who gets democracy.”
Relations between Harare and Washington have long been strained over sanctions, governance concerns and accusations of hypocrisy. To many Zimbabweans, the latest warning feels like déjà vu — another Western attempt to moralise from afar while ignoring its own contradictions.
Current Ambassador of Washington to Harare, Pamela Tremont, has repeatedly ruffled feathers with her high-handed paternalistic conduct. Information Ministry Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana has publicly called her out on social media, telling her to show respect for Zimbabwe as a sovereign nation and not act like she has jurisdiction to dictate anything.
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