In a dramatic move, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has suspended three high-ranking judges amid allegations of judicial misconduct, a decision that has ignited widespread concerns regarding political interference within the judiciary. The judges—Justice Annie Sitali, Justice Mungeni Mulenga, and Justice Palan Mulonda—were previously involved in key rulings against Hichilema, including the dismissal of his 2016 petition contesting former President Edgar Lungu’s election victory. They also participated in a controversial decision allowing Lungu to run in the 2021 elections, despite his prior two terms in office.
The suspension comes at a critical time as Zambia approaches the 2026 elections, where Hichilema and Lungu are expected to face each other for the fourth time. The suspended judges were slated to hear a pivotal case determining Lungu’s eligibility for the upcoming elections. Their suspension follows recommendations from the Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC) after a complaint was lodged by lawyer Joseph Busenga, who criticized the judges’ conduct in handling the 2016 election petition.
The decision has provoked strong reactions from political figures and activists. Lungu’s Patriotic Front (PF) party has condemned the suspension as illegal, with Lungu himself calling on Zambians to defend the integrity of the judiciary. “When we lose the judiciary, we lose everything,” he stated during a press briefing. Activists have echoed these concerns, arguing that Hichilema’s actions jeopardize judicial independence, though neither the president nor his office has responded directly to these allegations.
Political analysts have noted that the judiciary in Zambia appears to be increasingly politicized, with some suggesting that Hichilema’s motives may be driven by personal grievances against the suspended judges. Social commentator Laura Miti remarked that while the judges deserve scrutiny for their past rulings, the president’s actions could also reflect a desire for revenge.
The suspension occurred just days before the Constitutional Court is set to hear Lungu’s re-opened eligibility case. As Lungu prepares for a political comeback, aiming to contest the 2026 presidential elections, analysts warn that Hichilema’s approach may exacerbate political tensions in the country.
Following their suspension, the judges will undergo a disciplinary process that could result in either their removal from office or reinstatement. Under Zambia’s constitution, all judges are appointed by the president based on recommendations from the JCC and must receive approval from the National Assembly. This structure has raised alarms about the potential for political influence over judicial appointments, further complicating the delicate balance between the executive branch and the judiciary in Zambia.
As Zambia navigates this turbulent political landscape, the implications of Hichilema’s decision are likely to resonate well beyond the courtroom, impacting the country’s democratic processes as the 2026 elections draw nearer.