Zambia Law Association Condemns Closure of Courts

The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has condemned the closure of courts by President Hakainde Hichilema, alleging that the move is aimed at preventing the opposition from filing petitions challenging alleged irregularities in the Zambian elections.

According to LAZ, on August 24, 2026, heavily armed military personnel surrounded court premises in Lusaka, leading to the sealing off of some court facilities with tape marked “Crime Scene.”

The association said the closure of the courts has created a real risk of uncertainty among people seeking to exercise their constitutional rights, particularly regarding access to court registries.

In a statement dated August 24, 2026, and signed by LAZ President Arnold Kaluba, the association acknowledged that exceptional circumstances, including genuine and immediate security concerns, may require temporary measures to protect judicial officers, court staff, litigants and members of the public.

However, LAZ said such measures must be lawful and proportionate, and implemented in a manner that preserves access to justice while respecting the constitutional independence and autonomy of the Judiciary.

The association said the Zambian Constitution vests sovereign authority in the people of Zambia and provides for the separation of functions among the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary.

It added that each arm of Government is required to exercise its authority in a manner that respects the constitutional functions and independence of the others.

“Where extraordinary security measures are necessary at or around court premises, there must be clarity regarding their purpose and legal basis,” the statement reads in part.

LAZ has called upon the Judiciary to urgently restore access to the courts and resume the filing, receipt and hearing of cases as soon as it is safe and practicable to do so.

The association also urged the Judiciary to prioritise matters affecting personal liberty, bail applications, electoral cases and other proceedings subject to strict statutory or constitutional timelines.

LAZ said it is engaging the Chief Justice and the Attorney General over the closure of the courts and its implications.

The association has assured the Zambian people that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep its members and the nation informed of any material developments.