African man in glasses and jacket arriving at a vehicle, accompanied by a colleague holding documents.
Zimbabwean authorities have detained former finance minister Tendai Biti, the most prominent critic of proposed constitutional amendments that would extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rule until 2030. Biti, who leads the Constitutional Defenders Forum, was arrested in Mutare on charges of holding an unauthorized public meeting. The proposed changes, approved by Cabinet and now before a ruling-party-dominated Parliament, would eliminate popular presidential elections in favor of selection by lawmakers and extend terms from five to seven years. While the 83-year-old Mnangagwa has publicly stated he will step down when his second term ends in 2028, he has not opposed his party’s push. Critics argue any term extension requires a referendum, but the government maintains Parliament can pass the changes alone. Biti’s arrest marks one of the most high-profile actions against opponents of the constitutional overhaul.
AP