Zimbabwe's opposition boycotts president's 1st State of the Nation speech since disputed election

Zimbabwe’s main opposition party on Tuesday boycotted President Emmerson Mnangagwa's State of the Nation address following his disputed reelection in August, revealing the widening political cracks in the southern African nation amid allegations of a post-vote clampdown on government critics. Citizens Coalition for Change spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi said the party's lawmakers stayed away from the speech because it views Mnangagwa as “illegitimate.” The CCC accuses Mnangagwa, 81, of fraudulently winning a second term and using violence and intimidation against critics, including by having some elected opposition officials arrested.

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