HARARE – Another faction has emerged from the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) after former chairman Morgen Komichi declared the revival of the United Movement for Democratic Change (UMDC) on Wednesday.
Komichi, who was defeated by Douglas Mwonzora at the party’s congress last year, said he was leading the new UMDC as its president.
His announcement was met with resistance from Mwonzora supporters who stormed his press conference in Harare and blamed him for weakening the party.
“You are a joke. You got three votes at the congress. You are a traitor. You are fragmenting the party. You are letting down the people,” yelled one of the demonstrators who identified himself as Boaz Mangamiso.
The MDC has been riddled with conflicts and divisions since the passing of its founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai in 2018.
The party has also lost support to Zanu PF in recent by-elections and failed to contest the ruling party’s authority.
Some MDC members have allegedly switched to the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), a new initiative led by former leader Nelson Chamisa.
Komichi said he had a plan to restore the opposition movement and would not engage in personal insults.