24/08/2026
LAW ASSOCIATION OF ZAMBIA DEMANDS IMMEDIATE REOPENING OF THE COURTS
Press Statement | For Immediate Release | 24th August 2026
The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) is alarmed by the closure of Zambian Courts today, 24th August 2026, and the deployment of heavily armed military officers around court premises in Lusaka. Some courts have also been sealed off with tape marked “Crime Scene.”
As of the time of this statement, there has been no formal public explanation on the reasons for the closure, the areas affected, how long it will last, or how access to justice will be maintained.
LAZ has seen an unsigned memo dated 24th August 2026 addressed to Judiciary staff announcing the closure. However, no official information has been provided to lawyers, litigants, or the public on what caused the closure, the legal basis for military deployment at courts, or how urgent matters will be handled.
*This closure directly affects access to justice.*
It places at risk people with urgent cases, including those with pending criminal trials, bail applications, habeas corpus applications, and other matters touching on personal liberty.
Article 13(3) of the Constitution of Zambia requires that any person arrested or detained and not released must be brought before a court without undue delay. Any disruption to court operations must therefore be managed to prevent prejudice and to ensure constitutional rights remain protected.
Article 103(1) of the Constitution provides a 7-day window to petition the Constitutional Court to nullify the election of a President-elect after a declaration.
Closing the Courts during this period risks prejudicing anyone seeking to exercise this constitutional right due to uncertainty around registries, filing, and access to judicial officers. The Judiciary must urgently clarify arrangements so that no one is disadvantaged in meeting filing deadlines.
LAZ acknowledges that genuine and immediate security concerns may require temporary measures to protect judicial officers, staff, litigants, and the public. However, such measures must be lawful, proportionate, and must not undermine access to justice or the constitutional independence and autonomy of the Judiciary.
The Constitution places sovereign power in the people of Zambia and provides for separation of powers between the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary. Article 122 guarantees the autonomy of the Judiciary and protects judges and staff from interference in the performance of judicial functions.
Where extraordinary security measures are required at court premises, their purpose and legal basis must be clear. They must not, directly or indirectly, obstruct judicial functions or deny reasonable access to justice.
