Resolve land wrangles now!

Resolve land wrangles now!
By Editor
Wednesday June 18, 2008 [04:00]

We join Dr Kenneth Kaunda in calling upon the government to quickly find a lasting solution to the current land wrangles almost in every province of the country. These wrangles, small as they may seem, have the potential to explode into life-threatening violence if there is no solution in sight. The land dispute between chief Shakumbila and chieftainess Nkomeshya is the case in point. We do not know the merits or demerits on both sides and, therefore, we cannot state with certainty as to who is wrong. And since it is not possible for both chiefs to be wrong or right at the same time, it goes without saying that one of them is right and the other is wrong.

That is why it is important for the government to quickly intervene and chat the way forward on this matter and others that have been reported in the recent past. There is need for the government to take very decisive steps to bring these land wrangles, together with succession disputes to a close. If left unchecked, these wrangles have the potential to sustain tension among our people, even creating anarchy in the nation.

Zambians have for a long time existed and lived as one, regardless of which part of the country they find themselves in. So, these developments, where chiefs are now expelling from their areas those of the unlike tribe, should be a source of worry. What is happening to our One Zambia, One Nation motto?

We know that Zambians have now discovered how valuable land is. We hear of minerals being discovered in some areas and oil in others. We also hear how foreign investors are ready to part away with so many millions of kwacha to own some huge tracks of land from our traditional rulers. These could be some of the issues inspiring or motivating our chiefs in these wrangles. It cannot be denied that our traditional leaders enjoy some inherent benefits when it comes to such issues.

For example, in the case of chief Shakumbila and chieftainess Nkomeshya, we heard how the former vowed never to release the disputed land because Nampundwe Mine, Trade Kings and Kafue Sugar, among others, allegedly fall within his boundary. He said however chieftainess Nkomeshya fights, she will never get these industries on her side.

Like we said earlier, we do not know who is right or wrong. But the government’s prolonged silence on this matter is not helping. These are issues that seriously breed hatred among our people.

This country is not devoid of history so as to continue guessing who could be right or wrong. We have experts in the government to deal with such matters. So why should these issues be left unresolved for a long time? Does the government want to make a move after lives have been lost, after blood has been shed, as some chiefs are threatening?

We also appeal to our traditional leaders to address and resolve these disputes with the decency and decorum befitting their status. Traditional leaders anywhere are held in very high esteem. But if they lower their esteem, can these traditional leaders expect anyone to raise it for them. Why should anyone bow before a chief who does not respect himself or herself? When traditional leaders start using the kind of language that some of them are using against one another, we wonder if that is what their subjects are expected to emulate from them. We thought that traditional leaders are among the most respectful people in our society.

With what is going on, will our chiefs take offence if their subjects use the same uncouth language against them. And some of the words used by our traditional leaders are very inciting and provocative. Actually, some of these threats or words border on criminality. Do we want to perpetuate tribal conflicts or ‘wars’ as a country?

Zambia has been an oasis of peace from time immemorial. Do we want to lose this peace just for a few pieces of silver expected in form or royalties or something else? We need to learn what happened in other countries where tribal conflicts were allowed to slide into chaos or anarchy. The 1994 genocide in Rwanda is a case in point. We are all familiar with the genesis of that tribal war with all its consequences. And surely, we do not want that to happen to Zambia. Are Solis less human to live in Mumbwa or anywhere else?

Dr Kaunda’s motto of One Zambia, One Nation was meant to inculcate in every citizen of this country the thought that we are all God’s children created in his image and therefore should interact and harmoniously live together as one, regardless of our origins or tribes.

We hope we are not about to lose this oneness and togetherness as a people. If there are problems between Salas and Solis, let these problems be sorted out not on the basis of tribe. If there are problems between Tongas and Lozis, let no tribal tones tack centre stage.