Zambian President Removes Judges Who Favored Political Rival”
Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has dismissed three Constitutional Court judges who previously ruled against him in a 2016 presidential election petition and allowed his rival, former President Edgar Lungu, to contest in 2021 despite having already served two terms.
The judges, Justice Annie Sitali, Justice Mungeni Mulenga, and Justice Palan Mulonda, were suspended over allegations of judicial misconduct, but after losing a court application to review the suspension, they were officially removed by a presidential order, citing recommendations from the Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC).
The presidency stated that the dismissal was constitutional and based on the JCC’s findings. However, the move has triggered accusations of political interference, with critics suggesting that Hichilema may be retaliating for the judges’ past rulings that favored Lungu, his long-time political rival.
Makebi Zulu, Lungu’s lawyer, condemned the dismissal as an “illegality,” claiming it undermines judicial independence.
Zambia is already experiencing rising political tensions ahead of the 2026 elections, where Hichilema and Lungu are expected to clash once again.
Social and political commentators are divided on whether the president’s actions are a necessary legal step or a self-serving political maneuver, raising concerns about the broader impact on Zambia’s democratic institutions.
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Zambian President Removes Judges Who Favored Political Rival”
