Vincent Gunde 
By Vincent Gunde
The Law Association of Zambia has condemned the shutting down of the courts by President Hakainde Hichilema who instructed judges and court staff not to report for work in order to block the opposition from filing petitions over irregularities of the Zambian elections.
The Law Association said on 24th August, 2026 heavily armed military personnel have surrounded court premises in Lusaka leading to sealing off certain court premises with tape marked “Crime Scene.”
It said the closure of the courts has created a real risk that persons seeking to exercise their constitutional right have uncertainty regarding access to court registries.
Writing in a statement dated 24th August, 2026 signed by Arnold Kaluba, President of the Law Association of Zambia, the Law Association said it recognizes that exceptional circumstances including genuine and immediate security concerns require temporary measures to protect judicial officers, judicial staff, litigants and members of the public.
The Law Association said such measures must be lawful, proportionate, and implemented in a manner that preserves access to justice and respects of the constitutional independence and autonomy of the judiciary.
It 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 saying 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,” reads the statement in part.
The Law Association of Zambia has called upon the Judiciary to urgently restore access to the courts and resume the filing, receipt and hearing of matters as soon as it is safe and practicable to do so.
It has called upon the Judiciary to give priority to matters affecting personal liberty, bail applications, electoral and other proceedings subject to strict statutory or constitutional timelines.
The Law Association of Zambia said it is currently engaging the Honourable Chief Justice and the Attorney General concerning the closure of the courts by President Hakainde Hichilema and its implication.
It has finally assured the Zambian people that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep its members and the nation informed of material developments
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