A contentious move by Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has shaken the nation’s judiciary, as three senior judges face suspension over alleged misconduct. Justice Annie Sitali, Justice Mungeni Mulenga, and Justice Palan Mulonda have been sidelined, reigniting concerns about the independence of Zambia’s judicial system.
The judges’ fate is closely tied to their 2016 ruling, which dismissed Hichilema’s petition challenging former President Edgar Lungu’s election victory. They also made a contentious decision allowing Lungu to run in the 2021 elections, despite having served two terms as president.
This dramatic development comes as Zambia gears up for the 2026 elections, where Hichilema and Lungu are poised to clash once more. Critics argue that the president’s involvement in appointing and removing judges undermines the judiciary’s autonomy.
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“The suspension of these judges reeks of political vendetta,” said Laura Miti, a social and political commentator. “While they may have erred in their judgments, President Hichilema’s motives are suspect, and this move may have far-reaching implications for Zambia’s democracy.”
Lungu’s Patriotic Front party has vehemently condemned the suspension, labeling it “illegal” and “unconstitutional.”
Activists and opposition leaders have joined the chorus, accusing Hichilema of meddling in the judiciary to consolidate power.
As tensions escalate, the Constitutional Court is set to hear Lungu’s eligibility case, which could significantly impact the 2026 presidential race. The suspended judges will face a disciplinary procedure, potentially leading to their removal or reinstatement.
Zambia’s judicial crisis raises fundamental questions about the separation of powers, the rule of law, and the integrity of democratic institutions.
