Zimbabwe Civic Coalition Rejects Constitutional Amendment Bill at Harare Summit, Demands Referendum

A coalition of civic groups, labour unions, students, faith organisations, war veterans and community activists rejected Zimbabwe's proposed Constitutional Amendment (No. 3) Bill at a People's Summit held in Harare on Saturday 7 June 2026. " The gathering brought together workers, civil servants, students, women, youth groups, informal traders, constitutional advocates, church representatives, professionals and members of the Zimbabwean diaspora.

They demanded that any constitutional changes be put to a national referendum. The communique criticised Parliament's public consultation process on the bill, alleging that hearings were marked by intimidation and violence. " Summit participants linked the constitutional debate to economic conditions, noting widespread poverty, unemployment and inequality.

The communique said national priorities should focus on "improving livelihoods, creating opportunities, strengthening healthcare and education" rather than changes that benefit political and economic elites. Delegates expressed solidarity with six student leaders detained at Harare Remand Prison after disturbances during the CAB3 public hearings.

The students were named as Emmanuel Sitima, Liberty Hamauswa, Takunda Mhuka, Richard Nyamande, Dylan Chisenwa and Takunda Mareverwa.

The summit opposed the proposed dissolution of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission and called for stronger protection of women's rights institutions. " The summit adopted 11 resolutions that included rejecting CAB3 in its entirety, demanding a referendum, strengthening civic education and building a broad coalition against the proposed amendment.

It signalled the possibility of future protests, demonstrations, stayaways and other forms of peaceful civic action if authorities proceed without a referendum.

The communique concluded: "Our struggle is not against Zimbabwe. " Delegates urged citizens to unite in defence of constitutional governance.