State House dismisses HH involvement in Court closures

State House has dismissed claims that President Hakainde Hichilema directed the closure of courts yesterday Monday, August 24, 2026, to prevent opposition political parties from filing in election petitions. In a statement made available to the media, State House Chief…

State House has dismissed claims that President Hakainde Hichilema directed the closure of courts yesterday Monday, August 24, 2026, to prevent opposition political parties from filing in election petitions.

In a statement made available to the media, State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka says President Hichilema remains committed to good governance, the rule of law and the principle of separation of powers.

Mr Hamasaka says the Judiciary is an independent arm of government and that the Head of State

Mr Hamasaka has explained that the measures taken yesterday followed security risk assessments conducted at selected government premises across the country, including institutions under the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, the National Prosecution Authority and the Attorney General’s Chambers.

He said the allegations were inconsistent with the constitution and the facts surrounding the temporary suspension of operations at selected government institutions.

He said the operations were intelligence-led and were preventive measures aimed at protecting government institutions, public officers and members of the public accessing the premises.

He stated that security measures affected several government departments and arms of government and could therefore not be interpreted as targeting any individual or party seeking legal recourse.

The Chief Communication Specialist further noted that the temporary suspension of court operations was not unprecedented, citing similar measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic when court sittings were restricted in the interest of public safety.

Mr Hamasaka reiterated that the government remains committed to upholding judicial independence and ensuring that all state institutions operate within their constitutional mandates.