Zambia faces political interference in the judiciary

Significance The judges are perceived as sympathetic towards Lungu’s position, and were abruptly suspended in September only days before the case against him was due to begin. Impacts The removal of judges seen as critical of the government may stifle judicial independence in other cases too. The government’s use of the judiciary to undermine political opponents reinforces a long and worrying tradition. Continued relitigation of the same issue undermines faith that Zambia’s top court has the authority to settle constitutional issues.