Maravi

‘Barotse debate doesn’t threaten peace’

‘Barotse debate doesn’t threaten peace’
By Edwin Mbulo
Wed 01 Dec. 2010, 03:59 CAT

A TRADITIONAL leader in Western Province says the continued debate on the Barotseland Agreement does not threaten national security.

In an interview, Mukumbuta Muluwani, known as Induna Akashi of Mutata Village in Mongu District, said veteran politician Sikota Wina should not infuriate the Lozi community over an already burning issue.

“There is no war here and the people are just interested in a document Barotseland Agreement as a conduit of development, not to create another state,” Muluwani said.

“We want development and we feel we can only get it through the Barotseland Agreement. Not war. Let the Winas not infuriate us beyond where we already are.”

Induna Akashi advised Wina and his wife Princess Nakatindi not to use the MMD to address the Lozi people over the Barotseland Agreement.

He said Wina’s statement had not been received well in Western Province because no one called for secession.

“I have had a lot of people calling me while others have came in person to complain about Wina’s conduct. I would like to warn Sikota and his wife Nakatindi not to further infuriate us over this issue. They are adding more salt to injury,” Induna Akashi said.

He said the duo should thank the people of Western Province for educating them at the expense of developing the area.

He said the people of Western Province wanted the government to honour the agreement.

“Let Sikota and wife not parade MMD cadres again to discuss Western Province. If he wants to do that, let him come to Mongu. The people are very annoyed,” he said.

Induna Akashi said the people of Western Province were losing interest in Zambian politics because of lack of development.

“They feel there is no government due to lack of development,” said Induna Akashi.
Last week, Wina told journalists that the Barotseland Agreement was not intended to create another state.

During a press briefing at his residence in Lusaka, Wina, who was flanked by Princess Nakatindi, said he decided to comment on the issue surrounding the agreement because it threatened national security and progress if left to drag on.

Labels: BAROTSE FREEDOM MOVEMENT, BAROTSELAND AGREEMENT, INDUNA AKASHI, MUKUMBUTA MULUWANI

posted by MrK @ 3:12 PM