Harare Post Reporter

Recalled Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) legislator, Raphael Pashor Sibanda has been summoned by the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s Law and Order section in Bulawayo to answer charges of inciting violence across the country.

Suspected to be one of the leaders plotting violent demonstrations across the country during this festive season, Sibanda's alleged involvement in orchestrating chaos is believed to be aimed at pressuring the ruling Party, ZANU PF, into entering a Government of National Unity (GNU) with the CCC.

According to an inside source, Sibanda and other CCC figures are orchestrating these demonstrations as a desperate attempt to force the ruling government into a power-sharing arrangement.

The source stated, "Sibanda has been up in arms, attempting to corner ZANU PF into a Government of National Unity. His involvement in inciting violence is seen as a desperate bid to carve out a place for himself in the political landscape after being recalled. He seems to believe that a transitional government is the only way for him to maintain influence. He has now been summoned by the police to answer charges of inciting violence."

The alleged strategy, as revealed by the source, stems from Sibanda's desperation to secure a position in a potential transitional government, which he perceives as the only path for his political future.

The source emphasised, "This is a blatant attempt by Sibanda to remain politically relevant. He has lost his seat, and now he is resorting to violence and threats to force his way back into the picture."

These developments follow a setback for the CCC, as the High Court ruled that all recalled CCC members, including Sibanda, are "barred from the game," meaning they cannot contest in the February 2024 by-elections under the CCC banner.

Meanwhile, political analyst, Paidamoyo Mutsvairo expressed concern over the alleged violence, urging CCC members to refrain from resorting to such tactics when faced with political setbacks.

"Instead of resorting to violence, CCC members should channel their energies into constructive and legal means of advancing their political agenda," Mutsvairo emphasised.

As the situation unfolds, Sibanda's summoning by the police sheds light on the complex dynamics within the CCC and the lengths some individuals may go to maintain political relevance in the face of legal and electoral challenges.