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Constitutional lawyer, John Sangwa, has accused President Hakainde Hichilema of undermining key governance institutions, including the Judiciary and Parliament.
Speaking on the Conversation Podcast on Thursday, Sangwa expressed concern over the appointment of judges, including the Chief Justice, arguing that the process lacked transparency and raised fears of political influence.
Sangwa emphasized that the Zambian Constitution prioritised judicial independence, both administratively and financially.
However, he noted that the Judiciary remained financially dependent on the Executive, which compromised its autonomy.
“The lack of financial independence makes the Judiciary vulnerable to executive control, reducing it to a position of begging,” he said, adding that this has led to decreased public confidence and undermined the rule of law.
Sangwa called for urgent reforms to ensure the Judiciary gained full control over its budget and to safeguard its independence as outlined in the Constitution.
He also criticised President Hichilema’s anti-corruption efforts, describing them as compromised by partisan influence.
Sangwa highlighted that Zambia’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) struggled with maintaining its independence, due in part to the appointment process.
“The fight against corruption is a joke because partisan interests have undermined its credibility,” he said, stressing the need for an open, merit-based appointment process that prioritises loyalty to the Constitution over political patronage.
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