Zambian President sacks 3 top judges

Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has dismissed three high-ranking judges he had previously suspended due to alleged judicial misconduct, raising concerns of political interference in the judiciary.

The judges—Justice Annie Sitali, Justice Mungeni Mulenga, and Justice Palan Mulonda—were involved in a 2016 presidential petition that rejected Hichilema’s challenge against former President Edgar Lungu’s election victory. They also participated in a controversial ruling that allowed Lungu to run in the 2021 elections, despite having served two terms.

Their removal follows a failed court application to review a judicial panel’s recommendation for their suspension. A statement from the presidency on Sunday announced their “immediate” dismissal based on the Judicial Complaints Commission’s (JCC) recommendation, citing the powers granted to the president under the Zambian constitution.

The JCC had been investigating the judges for alleged gross misconduct after a complaint from a private citizen, Moses Kalonde. A previous complaint from lawyer Joseph Busenga regarding the judges’ handling of the 2016 election petition was dismissed by the JCC last year.

Reactions to the judges’ dismissal have been mixed. Political tensions are escalating in Zambia as the 2026 elections approach, where Hichilema and Lungu are likely to compete again. Commentator Laura Miti noted that opinions are divided, with some viewing the president’s actions as legally justified but self-serving, while others support him. She expressed concern that the move may be perceived as retribution for the judges’ previous rulings.

In contrast, Makebi Zulu, Lungu’s lawyer in the 2016 case, called the dismissal an “illegality” and warned it undermines judicial independence, asserting that judges should not face discipline for their judicial decisions.

According to Zambia’s constitution, all judges, including the chief justice, are appointed by the president based on JCC recommendations and with National Assembly approval. Political analyst Sishuwa Sishuw emphasized that appointing judges through the executive branch leads to ongoing issues with judicial competency, advocating for a more structured and inclusive appointment process rather than isolated changes.