Ministry of Justice Zambia - MOJ

Lusaka 7th May 2026. Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Honorable. Princess Kasune, MP, has reaffirmed Zambia’s belief on the importance of diplomacy and dialogue as tools for resolving disputes and advancing shared global priorities.

Hon. Kasune indicated that Zambia will continue to pursue a foreign policy that is based on cooperation, mutual respect, and the promotion of shared interests. We are resolute in our commitment to building stronger ties with all countries, organisations, and stakeholders who share our vision for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future.

The acting Minister of Foreign Affairs who is also Minister of Justice emphasized that Zambia continues to underscore on economic diplomacy as one of the pillars of the Country’s Foreign Policy, with an acute focus on diversifying the Zambian economy, attracting investments and fostering trade relations.

The Minister said this in her opening remarks during a Ministerial Briefing for the African Diplomatic Corps on Zambia’s preparedness for the forthcoming August 2026 General Elections, held in Lusaka today.

Hon. Kasune stressed that the Zambian Government will continue to engage with cooperating partners to promote Zambia as a hub for sustainable business, trade and investment.

And the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs has welcomed all the international election observer missions interested in observing Zambia’s General Elections, noting that their participation enhances credibility and transparency of the electoral process. She highlighted good governance, the rule of law, and the inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in electoral processes as key national priorities.

She stated that elections remains one of the cardinal democratic processes which provides an enabling environment to foster economic development through various mechanisms with our foreign partners.

She stated that Zambia recognises that peace and stability are important ingredients for sustainable development and prosperity. Zambia therefore, continues to play a positive role in fostering dialogue, peace, and cooperation in conflict zones across the African continent and beyond.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Permanent Secretary for Administration Ms. Margaret Miyoba, stated that Zambia remains committed to promoting mutually beneficial collaboration and partnerships with all members of the Diplomatic Corps, including the African Group of Ambassadors and High Commissioners, with whom Zambia shares common interests, challenges, and opportunities, as well as similar geography, history, and cultural perspectives.

And Dean of the African Group of Ambassadors and High Commissioners, and Ambassador, Her Excellency Mrs. Charity Angeline Charamba, of the Republic of Zimbabwe, has expressed gratitude to the Zambian government for giving them an opportunity for engagement which she noted that it offered responses to concerns within the diplomatic community. Ambassador Charamba further expressed gratitude for the peaceful environment that Zambia is enjoying under the leadership of Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia.

She assured that the African group of Ambassadors and High Commissioners will remain strategic partners with Zambia and that they will participate in Zambia’s electoral process through the continental bodies.

Ends

Ministry of Justice
Statement for Immediate release

Lusaka 4th May 2026. Minister of Justice Honorable Princess Kasune, MP, has underscored the New Dawn Government’s positive strides in enhancing democracy and promotion in Zambia.

Speaking when the African Union Pre-election and Needs Assessment Team paid a courtesy call on her, Minister Kasune told the delegation that the current Zambian Administration has enhanced the policy and legal framework to guarantee democracy and also free and fair elections in Zambia.

The Minister of Justice stated that amendment to the Constitution through Constitutional of Zambia (Amendment) Number 13 of 2025 has greatly enhanced the value of inclusion, as for the first time in the history of the country, there will be a guaranteed number of 20 women, 15 youths and 5 persons with disabilities in the National Assembly coming in through Proportional Representation.

She said the New Dawn Administration has uprooted all the root causes of political violence such as cadrerism and impunity. Zambia should be used a shining example of political stability and peace not only in Africa but the world at large.

Honorable Kasune highlighted that the commitment to peace and stability is evidenced through President Hakainde Hichilema when he restrained United Party for National Development (UPND) political party members from inflicting political revenge on the cadres that used to brutalize them when they were in the opposition.

She said the New Dawn Administration is committed to peace and development that unites the country in all the ten provinces of Zambia.

Minister Kasune told the delegation that the Ministry of Justice was grateful to Africa Union Pre-election and Needs Assessment team for coming to Zambia as the process helps the country to continuously make improvements in the conduct of elections in Zambia.

And Ministry of Justice Permanent Secretary for Administration, Ambassador Isabelle Lemba, stated that Zambia’s democracy and election credentials should be used as a beacon by the African Union and the rest of the world.

Amb. Lemba stated that Zambia has had 9 Presidential elections, 7 heads of state and 4 administrations all characterized by peaceful transitions.

Meanwhile, African Union Pre-election and Needs Assessment head of delegation and former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, His Excellence Demeke Mekonnen Hassan has commended the Zambian Government for focusing on inclusion through proportional representation which came as a result of the amendment to the Constitution.

Mr. Hassan stated that he was equally pleased with the preparations that the Zambian Government and the Electoral Commission of Zambia has put in place towards having a free and fair election in August this year. The main point is that preparation is very important and so far the preparations and the roadmap is very encouraging.

(original signed)

Issued by
Joe Nkadaani
Principal public relations office
Ministry of Justice

Labour Matters

Labour Day in Zambia is celebrated annually on May 1st, and is a public holiday dedicated to honoring the contributions of workers to national development.

It is characterized by marches, speeches from the President or the Vice President and Union leaders, and also the award-ceremonies recognizing outstanding employees nationwide.

This important day focuses on promoting productivity, highlighting workers' rights, and urging employers to create conducive, safe, and fair working environments.

It is for this reason that Ministry of Justice participates in every Labour Day, to recognize the hard-work that the staff at the Ministry does in the quest to facilitate the administration of justice in Zambia.

Each year, Government and Unions adopt a theme that focuses on economic recovery, development, and worker solidarity.

Ministry of Justice

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT AND LUNGU FAMILY SIGN CONSENT ORDER

Lusaka 30 April 2026. This afternoon, the Government of the Republic of Zambia and the family of the late Sixth President, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, signed a consent order that formally nullifies the ex parte order issued on 22 April. That order had temporarily placed custody of the former President’s remains with his family while they were still held by the South African Police.

Following the lapse of the appeal before the Supreme Court of Appeal, the Government cited the judgment delivered on 8 August 2025 to take custody of the remains. However, the transfer to Zambia had not yet occurred, as the body remained under the care of the South African Police.

“The urgent ex parte Order granted on 22 April 2026 by Honourable Judge Francis-Subbiah has been reviewed and is hereby set aside,” reads part of the consent order.

Through mutual agreement, the late President’s remains will now be placed in the custody of AVBOB (Pretoria East), with all related costs covered by the Government of Zambia. This arrangement will stand until the appeal before the Supreme Court of Appeal is concluded.

In line with the High Court Order of 25 June 2025, the family will retain access to the remains until the matter is fully resolved.

The Government welcomes this development, noting that it has consistently maintained that the situation was never intended to become a dispute over custody of the remains.

The Government of the Republic of Zambia remains open to continued engagement with the former President’s family to reach a peaceful resolution and ensure he receives a dignified burial.

Meanwhile, the Government has agreed to the family’s request to move the body from B3 Undertakers to AVBOB on Monday, 4 May 2026 against the order that had directed that it is moved today.

Through their lawyers, Mashele and Company, the family asked that the transfer occurs only on Monday when they are able to be present. By the Consent Order signed today the body was to be moved immediately from B3 Undertakers to AVBOB.

ISSUED:
(Original Signed)

Mr. Mulilo Kabesha
Attorney General
Republic of Zambia

What is a Consent order?

Attorney General Mr Mulilo Kabesha SC, chairing a CLC meeting at the Ministry of Justice HQ. Also in the meeting is Amb Isabelle M.M Lemba, PS Administration.

Admin: What is CLC?

Anyone who wants a K200 worth breakfast to attempt? Very correct answers only!

Minister of Justice Honorable Princess Kasune, MP, has stressed that government is intentional and resolute in ensuring that genocide and hate speech have no place in Zambia.

Honorable Kasune stressed that hate speech, lack of respect for fundamental human rights, and low levels of economic development are some of the factors that leads to genocide and mass atrocities.

Genocide and other atrocities have a negative effect on the economic and social development especially on the poor people.

Minister of Justice Hon. Princess Kasune this morning paid an impromptu visit into the Senior management meeting to remind the Ministry officials on the important role that they play in the administration of Justice in Zambia.

The Minister reminded the staff that the New Dawn Administration through President Hakainde Hichilema attaches great importance to the administration of justice, human rights and equity.

She stated that the President is a champion of human rights, democracy and good governance and that there was need for the Ministry of Justice officials to tap into that vision.

The Minister commended the Ministry of Justice staff of having so hard towards the enactment of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 13 of 2025, which will guarantee an increase in the number of women, youths and persons with disabilities in the National Assembly. She said this was unprecedented in the history of the country.