President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia has dismissed three judges who previously ruled against him, prompting accusations of political overreach, as concerns grow over judicial independence ahead of the 2026 elections.
**Zambia's President Dismisses Judges Amid Political Tensions**
**Zambia's President Dismisses Judges Amid Political Tensions**
Zambian leader faces accusations of judicial interference after sacking judges linked to rival's past election case.
Zambia's political landscape is increasingly contentious as President Hakainde Hichilema has sacked three top judges, Justice Annie Sitali, Justice Mungeni Mulenga, and Justice Palan Mulonda, who ruled against him in a presidential petition eight years ago. This decision follows previous suspensions amid allegations of judicial misconduct and raises alarms about political interference in the judiciary.
The judges were instrumental in dismissing Hichilema’s challenge to the election victory of former President Edgar Lungu in 2016 and were involved in a controversial ruling that allowed Lungu to run in the 2021 elections despite previously serving two presidential terms. Their fate was sealed after a court application to review a decision by a judicial panel, which recommended their suspension.
In a statement issued by the presidency, Hichilema was reported to have taken the action based on a recommendation from the Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC), which had been investigating the judges. The statement emphasized that the president acted within the constitutional powers attributed to his office.
Experts and political commentators have issued mixed reactions to this dismissal. While some view it as a necessary measure against judicial misconduct, others perceive it as a vengeful tactic by Hichilema against judges who previously harmed his political aspirations. Commentator Laura Miti expressed concern over the president potentially exacting revenge rather than ensuring judicial integrity, while Makebi Zulu, Lungu’s legal representative, condemned the move as an overreach that threatens judicial independence.
Under the Zambian constitution, the appointment of judges—including the chief justice—is a prerogative of the president based on JCC recommendations and National Assembly approval. Political analyst Sishuwa Sishuwa highlighted that systemic changes regarding judicial appointments are necessary to address the prevalent issues of incompetence among judges, regardless of who is currently in power.
As Zambia approaches the 2026 elections, where Hichilema and Lungu are expected to oppose each other once more, the implications of this power play concerning judicial independence remain paramount in the ongoing political discourse.
