Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has suspended three Constitutional Court judges over allegations of judicial misconduct, a move that has ignited accusations of political meddling in the judiciary.
The suspended judges—Justice Annie Sitali, Justice Mungeni Mulenga, and Justice Palan Mulonda—were involved in rulings that dismissed Hichilema’s 2016 presidential petition and allowed former President Edgar Lungu to contest the 2021 elections, despite serving two previous terms.
With rising political tensions ahead of Zambia’s 2026 elections, where Hichilema and Lungu are expected to face off for a fourth time, the timing of the suspensions has drawn sharp criticism. The trio were set to preside over a critical case on Thursday that would determine whether Lungu could legally run in the upcoming elections.
The suspensions follow recommendations from the Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC), which conducted a two-year investigation into the judges’ conduct. Lawyer Joseph Busenga, now a diplomat, had filed the complaint in 2022, citing the “improper handling” of Hichilema’s 2016 election petition.
A statement from the presidency confirmed the suspensions, but provided no further details. Critics, including members of Lungu’s Patriotic Front (PF), have denounced the move as illegal, accusing Hichilema of attempting to undermine judicial independence.
Former President Lungu urged Zambians to resist the perceived attack on the judiciary, warning that losing judicial independence would be detrimental to the nation. Social and political commentators, like Laura Miti and Sishuwa Sishuwa, expressed concerns over Hichilema’s motivations, with some seeing it as a personal vendetta while others highlighted the already politicized nature of Zambia’s judiciary.
The suspended judges now face a disciplinary process that could result in their removal or reinstatement. Zambia’s constitution allows the president to appoint and remove judges upon JCC recommendations, but critics argue this compromises the judiciary’s independence.
