Zambian President Suspends Judges Following Ruling in Favor of Political Rival

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has suspended three senior judges over allegations of judicial misconduct, sparking accusations of political interference in the judiciary. The judges—Justice Annie Sitali, Justice Mungeni Mulenga, and Justice Palan Mulonda—previously ruled against Hichilema in a 2016 petition challenging former President Edgar Lungu’s election victory. They also participated in a controversial decision that allowed Lungu to run in the 2021 elections, despite having already served two terms.
Tensions are escalating in Zambia ahead of the 2026 elections, where Hichilema and Lungu are expected to face off again. The suspended judges were set to preside over a case regarding Lungu’s eligibility to contest in those elections.
The presidency stated that the suspensions followed recommendations from the Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC), which had been investigating the judges since a complaint was filed by lawyer Joseph Busenga. Busenga alleged that the judges handled the 2016 election petition improperly.
In response to the suspensions, Lungu’s Patriotic Front (PF) party condemned the actions as illegal, urging Zambians to defend judicial independence. Activists have echoed concerns about Hichilema’s potential encroachment on the judiciary’s autonomy, although the president’s office has not responded to these claims.
Political analysts warn that Hichilema’s actions could further politicize the judiciary. Social commentator Laura Miti noted that while the judges may have acted improperly, the president’s motivations seem revenge-driven.
The judges now face a disciplinary process that could result in their removal or reinstatement. Under Zambia’s constitution, all judges are appointed by the president based on JCC recommendations, raising concerns about the independence of the judiciary amid these developments.