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 Harare, Zimbabwe (February 13, 2026) – In a dramatic escalation of Zimbabwe's constitutional crisis, detained opposition figure Job Sikhala has officially petitioned the African Union (AU), describing the Mnangagwa government's move to extend presidential terms and abolish direct elections as a "coup in motion."

The petition, filed by Sikhala's National Democratic Working Group (NDWG), reached the office of AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf today, urging immediate regional intervention. This bold move comes just days after the Zimbabwean Cabinet approved Constitutional Amendment Number 3, which seeks to extend the presidential term from five to seven years and shift presidential elections from a popular vote to a parliamentary one.

Sikhala, a prominent critic of the ruling ZANU-PF party, who remains in detention, stated through his legal representatives that the proposed amendments are a "blatant attempt by the incumbent to railroad himself into another two years to 2030, against the clear will of the people."

The NDWG’s petition argues that Zimbabwe is in direct violation of key AU Governance and Democracy Protocols, which prohibit member states from amending constitutions for "political convenience" and ensure the sanctity of democratic processes, including direct elections.

"The process that is currently happening in Zimbabwe is a coup by the incumbent to extend his term of office," the petition reportedly states, calling on the AU to "break its silence" and intervene before the controversial bill is gazetted and the mandatory 90-day public consultation period begins.

This international appeal highlights growing concerns among civil society organizations and legal experts who view the proposed changes as an existential threat to Zimbabwe's nascent democracy. Critics fear that if passed, Constitutional Amendment Number 3 would effectively entrench ZANU-PF's power, allowing Parliament (where the ruling party holds a two-thirds majority) to select the President without a direct mandate from the electorate.

The timing of Sikhala's petition is strategic, coming as regional and international bodies are scrutinizing Zimbabwe's commitment to democratic principles, particularly in the wake of the disputed 2023 general elections. The NDWG's urgent plea seeks to mobilize continental pressure, reminding the AU of its mandate to uphold democratic governance and human rights in its member states.

The Mnangagwa government has consistently defended the proposed amendments as a move towards "efficiency" and "long-term national projects" under its "2030 Agenda," aiming to reduce what it calls "election-heavy" cycles. However, this narrative is being fiercely challenged by the opposition, who see it as a desperate attempt to bypass term limits and consolidate power.

As the 90-day public consultation period looms, the spotlight is now firmly on the African Union to respond to Sikhala's impassioned plea, potentially setting the stage for a significant diplomatic confrontation over Zimbabwe's constitutional future.