Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has dismissed three Constitutional Court judges—Justice Annie Sitali, Justice Mungeni Mulenga, and Justice Palan Mulonda—who were previously suspended for alleged judicial misconduct. The judges were involved in two significant rulings: dismissing Hichilema’s challenge to the 2016 election victory of former President Edgar Lungu, and permitting Lungu to run for a third term in 2021. Their dismissal follows the rejection of their appeal against the Judicial Complaints Commission’s recommendation to suspend them. This move has stirred political tensions, with critics accusing Hichilema of retaliating for the judges’ past rulings. While some view it as necessary for addressing judicial misconduct, others, including Lungu’s lawyer, see it as an overreach by the executive branch. The decision heightens tensions ahead of the 2026 elections, where Hichilema and Lungu are expected to face off again.
SOURCE: BBC