Zambian President Suspends Three Senior Judges Over Judicial Misconduct Allegations

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has suspended three senior judges following allegations of judicial misconduct linked to a controversial election case from 2016. The suspended judges — Justice Mungeni Mulenga, Justice Annie Sitali, and Justice Palan Mulonda — had dismissed Hichilema’s petition challenging the electoral victory of former President Edgar Lungu.

The suspension, announced on Monday, comes amid rising political tensions ahead of the 2026 elections, which could see Hichilema and Lungu face off for the fourth time. The presidency confirmed that the decision was based on the findings of the Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC), following a complaint lodged by lawyer Joseph Busenga in 2022. Busenga had called for the removal of the judges, citing their alleged mishandling of the 2016 presidential election petition.

After two years of investigation, the JCC recommended the suspension, which President Hichilema enforced under his constitutional powers. “The suspension was made in line with the recommendations of the JCC,” the presidency stated.

The move has sparked criticism, with activists accusing the president of interfering with the independence of the judiciary, raising concerns about the impartiality of the courts in the lead-up to the 2026 elections.

President Hichilema, however, defended the decision as necessary for maintaining judicial integrity.