In a surprising turn of events, Zimbabwe's opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has announced his resignation, citing government interference and "contamination" within his party, the CCC. Chamisa, a 45-year-old Christian pastor and lawyer, expressed his determination to continue the fight for change by forming a new political party.

Chamisa's decision came after several MPs from his CCC party lost their seats, which he alleged was a deliberate act of sabotage. While it remains uncertain how many of the CCC's remaining MPs and councillors will follow him, Chamisa enjoys significant support, particularly in urban areas.

Critics of Chamisa have blamed his weak leadership for creating deep divisions within the opposition, ultimately strengthening President Emmerson Mnangagwa's hold on power. However, in his resignation letter, the former CCC leader accused the ruling Zanu-PF party of being complicit in the deterioration of his party. The Zanu-PF party has denied these allegations.

Chamisa did not shy away from holding President Mnangagwa accountable for various issues plaguing Zimbabwe. He criticized the state of healthcare in the country, referring to hospitals as "death traps." He also pointed out the recent cholera outbreak and the collapse of social services as further evidence of the government's failure.

Furthermore, Chamisa claimed that multiple individuals within his party had been bribed by external forces to undermine the opposition from within, further weakening its position. In a veiled reference to President Mnangagwa, who is often referred to as a crocodile, Chamisa declared his refusal to "swim in a river with hungry crocodiles."

President Mnangagwa assumed power in 2017 following the removal of long-time leader Robert Mugabe in a bloodless coup. However, challenges such as high inflation, widespread unemployment, and censorship continue to plague Zimbabwe.

Chamisa's political tenure spans over two decades, during which he has faced numerous threats to his life. In 2022, he narrowly escaped an alleged assassination attempt when his convoy was attacked during a by-election campaign. He also suffered a head injury during a crackdown on the opposition in 2007.

Prior to leading the CCC, Chamisa was the leader of the MDC party. However, he left amid a power struggle before establishing the CCC in 2022.

The resignation of Nelson Chamisa and his plan to create a new party raises questions about the future of Zimbabwean politics. With the country grappling with economic challenges and social unrest, the political landscape is bound to witness further shifts and developments in the coming months.