The Zimbabwe ruling party's backing of a term extension for President Emmerson Mnangagwa, which requires a change to the constitution, has fuelled anger and fears of deepening authoritarianism.

Zanu-PF, accused of corruption and misrule during its 45 years in power, announced a week ago that its annual congress supported moves to keep Mnangagwa in office until 2030, and required legislative amendments would be initiated.

Prominent lawyer Tendai Biti immediately pledged to "defend the constitution against its capture" while opposition figures called a press conference for Tuesday to respond to the "constitutional crisis".

Mnangagwa, 83, came to power in 2017 in a military-backed coup that ousted Robert Mugabe, who was president for 30 years.

Elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2023, Mnang

See Full Page