Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has suspended three top judges for alleged judicial misconduct, igniting claims of political interference in the country’s judiciary.
In 2016, these Constitutional Court judges dismissed Hichilema’s challenge to the election victory of then-President Edgar Lungu. They also played a role in a contentious ruling allowing Lungu to run in the 2021 elections, despite having already served two presidential terms.
Tensions are escalating in Zambia ahead of the 2026 elections, where Hichilema and Lungu are expected to face off for the fourth time. The three judges—Justice Annie Sitali, Justice Mungeni Mulenga, and Justice Palan Mulonda—were set to participate in a case on whether Lungu could run again, but their suspension has now drawn sharp reactions.
The presidency stated that the suspension followed recommendations from a panel investigating the judges, citing a complaint from lawyer-turned-diplomat Joseph Busenga, who argued the judges mishandled the 2016 election petition. After two years of inquiry, Hichilema suspended the judges based on the Judicial Complaints Commission’s findings.
The move has faced criticism, especially from Lungu’s Patriotic Front (PF), which called the suspension illegal. Lungu accused the president of undermining the judiciary, urging Zambians to stand against what he called an injustice. Activists have also raised concerns about Hichilema’s influence over the courts, with some accusing him of seeking revenge for past rulings.
Political commentator Laura Miti stated that while the judges deserve removal, Hichilema’s actions appear driven by personal motives. Political analyst Sishuwa Sishuwa warned that the suspension, which came just days before the court was due to hear Lungu’s eligibility case, is part of a “dangerous political game” aimed at sidelining Lungu.
The judges will now face a disciplinary process to determine whether they will be reinstated or permanently removed. Critics argue that the president’s involvement in both the appointment and removal of judges compromises the judiciary’s independence, highlighting a broader concern about the politicization of Zambia’s courts.
