Malupenga hails BRE's good relations with govt
By Angela Kabamba in Mongu
Tue 14 Jan. 2014, 14:01 CAT
WESTERN Province permanent secretary Amos Malupenga says the Barotse Royal Establishment and other provincial interest groups' fruitful inter-connectivity with the central government is highly commendable.
During a World Bank-organised stakeholders' consultative workshop on the Western Province's climate resilience programme at Mongu's Country Lodge yesterday, Malupenga said the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE), the private sector, civil society organisations and other interest groups in the province had forged a strong and fruitful relationship with the central government.
He observed that the selfless contributions to the birth of the US$36 million grant given to the Zambian government, through the World Bank last year, to strengthen the agramme in Western Province was greatly appreciated.
Malupenga noted that besides the unified approach, technical and financial support the World Bank was providing, the onus was now on the stakeholders to commit themselves to duty over the climate resilience programme.
He said the project's objectives were fundamental in the continued efforts to improve the state of canals that run through Limulunga, Mongu, Nalolo and Senanga districts, especially for purposes of transportation and agriculture.
Malupenga, however, implored the workshop participants and other stakeholders to take into account the inputs from communities who have lived and experienced the changes or outcomes that canals can bring about in people's lives.
Malupenga said the workshop should provide a space participants to highlight and make key choices for future management, maintenance and sustainability of the canals, adding that a key component worth noting for any successful developmental intervention was to ensure that stakeholders took ownership of the planning and implementation processes.
Last year, finance minister Alexander Chikwanda signed a US$36 million grant agreement of which US$5 million was a loan on behalf of the Zambian government while World Bank country representative Kundhavi Kadresan signed on behalf of the World Bank.
The six-year project aims to strengthen the national institutional framework for climate resilience and improve the adaptation capacity of poor vulnerable communities in the Barotse flood plains of which about 130,000 people or 25, 800 households would benefit.
Labels: AMOS MALUPENGA, BAROTSE ROYAL ESTABLISHMENT, BRE, World Bank
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Litunga deserves respect, support
By The Post
Tue 20 Nov. 2012, 12:00 CAT
The Barotse Royal Establishment is an old institution, and it has gone through some very difficult trials in its history - divisions of all kinds. It is true that the foundation on which the Barotse Royal Establishment was built is solid and lasting.
Throughout history, that institution has demonstrated its experience, its wisdom and its capacity to adapt to reality. At various stages in its history, the Barotse Royal Establishment has taken steps to adapt the institution to the major political, economic and social changes that have taken place within this territory and
indeed in the world.
Now, too, the Barotse Royal Establishment is going through some very difficult trials and must make some important changes.
We wouldn't say that we fully agree with the positions that the Barotse Royal Establishment, as an institution, has taken regarding a series of problems. And without advocating or promoting ideas or standards that depart from the principles of the Barotse Royal Establishment and culture, we do feel that it is necessary to approach the important problems of our times realistically, which in some countries have led to serious political conflicts and disputes. We think that the Barotse Royal Establishment should take a realistic, rational, reasonable position on problems that have many political, economic, social and even cultural implications.
We don't want - nor can we want - divisions within the Barotse Royal Establishment. We would like to see a united Barotse Royal Establishment supporting the legitimate claims of all our people, especially the poor.
We don't think it is right to try and reform or improve the Barotse Royal Establishment from outside; nor do we think it is right to promote division from outside. We do think, however, that solidarity with our people's most deeply-felt aspirations for a united Barotse Royal Establishment is politically better for us all, and we sincerely hope that whatever problems have arisen or may arise may be solved rationally.
We hope the Barotse Royal Establishment's problems will be solved rationally and that all those involved will understand the serious, tragic problems which our country is faced with and give them their support.
We don't have to be very perspicacious to realise that we fully support - and this is absolutely consistent with everything we have stated before - the Litunga's right to be Litunga. He was born king - he was not made king through some elections or other schemes - and he will remain as such till the end of days. This is the position we believe Michael Sata and his government recognise and respect.
We believe that Michael and his government do not want to see a weakened Litunga and Barotse Royal Establishment because that would be of no value to anyone. A strong Litunga and a strong Barotse Royal Establishment will be good for all Zambians. Nobody can be more earnestly in favour of the Barotse Royal Establishment's taking a correct position on the most serious political, economic and social problems of our times.
That's why we do not want to criticise the measures that have been taken by the Barotse Royal Establishment. We simply want to study them in depth. As patriots, we take a keen interest and render our support to any movement away from separatist or secessionist tendencies.
And if what we hear is true - and we believe it is true - that the Litunga is opposed to separatist and secessionist tendencies, then it is not difficult to see why our support for the Litunga is resolute and absolute.
And accordingly, we join Michael and his government in calling upon all patriotic Zambians and all citizens of goodwill to come to the Litunga's defence and support. The Litunga is not only a king in Barotseland, he is a king in Zambia - he is a Zambian king and a great part of our collective national heritage. Every Zambian, regardless of their tribe, should regard the Barotse Royal Establishment and its traditions as theirs
If separatist and secessionist elements are disappointed with what we hear to be the Litunga's progressive position on this score, then they should be able to face the opposition of all the Zambian people. All the corners of our country should come to the Litunga's defence and support. And we call upon all the royal establishments of our country to come to the Litunga's defence and support and isolate the separatist and secessionist elements.
There is need to realise that the ways in which we will achieve our goals are bound by context, changing with circumstances even while remaining steadfast in our commitment to our vision. And the mark of great leaders is the ability to understand the context in which they are operating and act accordingly.
Whatever grievances are there, they can be resolved within the context of our constitutional setup. Solutions can always be found even to conflicts that have come to seem intractable, and such solutions emerge when those who feel divided reach out to find the common ground.
The reality can no longer be ignored that we live in an inter-dependent world which is bound together to a common destiny. And as such, peace and prosperity, tranquility and security are only possible if they are enjoyed by all.
The suffering of any people in any part of our country should affect all of us no matter where we find ourselves. It is senseless to embark on a process of fragmentation without even knowing where that fragmentation will stop. None of our irritations with the perceived inadequacies of the current order should ever allow us to suggest even faintly that our national unity and sovereignty can be compromised in any way.
What we need today is the uplifting of the most downtrodden sections of our population and all-round transformation of our society. And this we believe is what this government of Michael is trying to do.
And we should be marching to a new future on this basis. We do face challenges, but none are as daunting as those we have already surmounted. Pride in our country should be the common bond between us all. It should be the essence of our new patriotism. And the onus is on us, through hard work, honesty and integrity, to reach for the stars. With all our 73 plus tribes combined in one nation, we are Zambians.
And we should all be conscious of our obligations to do whatever we can to contribute to the advancement of unity, democracy and justice in our country whenever possible. Politics and political approaches that do not strengthen national unity can lead to a blind alley.
Let us keep our arms locked together so that we can form a solid phalanx against tribalism, regionalism, separatism and secessionism. We should feel and recognise that our success advances the very principles on which this country is founded.
And we shouldn't forget the fact that hot heads and cold hearts have never solved anything. Reason and judgement are the qualities of a leader. And this is what we are today seeing in the key leadership of the Barotse Royal Establishment. If mistakes were made, they are certainly being corrected and they deserve to be corrected. And those doing so deserve the support of all Zambians of goodwill. Leadership is doing what is right.
And effective leadership is putting first things first. Nothing great will ever be achieved without great leaders, and leaders are great only if they are determined to do so. It is said that when you are in a valley, keep your goal firmly in view and you will get the renewed energy to continue the climb.
And as Winston Churchill once remarked: "Never give in! Never give in! Never, never, never, never - in nothing great or small, large or petty. Never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense." Truly, there is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience. And one of the tests of leadership is the ability to recognise a problem before it becomes an emergency. And the Barotse Royal Establishment leadership is at this time doing so and as such deserves our respect and support.
Labels: BAROTSE ROYAL ESTABLISHMENT, LITUNGA, MICHAEL SATA
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We'll protect Litunga - Sata
By Masuzyo Chakwe in Lusaka and Brina Siwale in Livingstone
Tue 20 Nov. 2012, 12:00 CAT
PRESIDENT Michael Sata says the state will defend and protect the Litunga and the Barotse Royal Establishment from any attempts of aggression being fomented by a clique of misguided individuals.
According to a statement by special assistant to the President for press and public relations George Chellah, President Sata had credible information that there were certain frustrated and ill-advised persons that were manoeuvring to bring strife to the Litunga and the BRE.
He warned that the state security wings would not sit idle and watch reckless people sow discord in Western Province.
"This government is committed to ensuring peace and stability in Western Province and views the Litunga and the BRE as an important part of that process. The Litunga and the BRE symbolises national unity and identity," he said.
"Therefore, those seeking to undermine the Litunga and the BRE using unlawful means will be dealt with firmly. As responsible elected officers of the people, we pledge that urgent and practical measures will be engaged to nip these illegitimate schemes in the bud."
Last week former education deputy minister in the MMD administration Clement Wainyae Sinyinda resigned his position as Barotseland's Ngambela chief counselor following deep-rooted disagreements with Litunga Lubosi Imwiko II.
But sources within the Barotse Royal Establishment told The Post that Sinyinda's resignation follows Litunga Imwiko's recently expressed willingness to discuss the Barotseland Agreement issue as opposed to the province seceding from Zambia.
On Sunday, Linyungandambo Livingstone chapter declared war against anyone involved in the resignation of Ngambela Sinyinda.
Livingstone chapter chairman George Akufuna said during a media briefing, that he would travel with his members to Limulunga to ensure that anyone involved in the Ngambela's resignation was out of office.
"The Lozi is not second hand clothes. It is a country for the people and it cannot be sold to anybody. We don't need mafias in Barotseland. We want to work in harmony as people of Barotseland. We are ready to move to Limulunga. We are going to Limulunga not to fight anybody but to make sure that the Ngambela is in office and make sure that the Sikombwa leaves the palace," said Akufuna.
"If there are some Indunas who were involved, they must start packing before we arrive because we shall arrive like a storm. Time of talking is over. It is now a time of action."
And chapter secretary Kebby Lifasi said they wanted Sinyinda back as Ngambela.
Labels: BAROTSE ROYAL ESTABLISHMENT, LITUNGA, MICHAEL SATA
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£411,000 worth of assets and cash from the Barotse Royal treasury was distributed to district councils countrywide-VEEP
TIME PUBLISHED - Saturday, July 14, 2012, 9:42 am
VICE-PRESIDENT Guy Scott told Parliament yesterday that £411,000 worth of assets and cash from the Barotse Royal treasury was distributed to district councils countrywide in 1964.
Dr Scott said according to the information released by former Minister of Local Government Sikota Wina as published in one of the editions of the Times of Zambia newspaper in 1964, the £411,000 worth of assets and cash was distributed to councils after the signing of the Barotseland Agreement.
The Vice-President, who laid the cutting of the article on the table of the House, was answering a question from Bahati member of Parliament (MP) Harry Kalaba (Patriotic Front) who wanted to know how much was in the Barotse Royal treasury and what happened to the money at the time the Barotseland Agreement was signed.
This was during the Vice-President’s question time.
And Dr Scott said the Litunga of the Lozi people in Western Province, like the other three Paramount Chiefs in the country, derives his powers from the colonial establishment and the republican Constitution.
Dr Scott said this in response to a question by Lukulu West MP Misheck Mutelo (MMD) who asked whether or not the Litunga has powers as those of the Chitimukulu of the Bemba, Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni and Paramount Chief Gawa Undi of the Chewa people.
The Vice-President dismissed assertions that Government is trying to ridicule the Litunga, describing them as baseless.
And Dr Scott said it is not Government’s desire to see people lose their jobs following the upward adjustment of the minimum wage for domestic, shop and general workers.
He said Government revised the minimum wage to ensure all workers are accorded decent salaries.
Dr Scott said this in response to Mafinga MP Catherine Namugala (MMD) who asked if Government is aware that the implementation of the minimum wage is likely to result in high levels of unemployment.
ZRA collected K1.185 trillion excise duty, K1.7 trillion customs duty, K3.9 trillion value added tax, K4.5 trillion pay as you earn while K7.5 trillion was collected from other taxes last year.
“If we follow your logic, it will mean reducing wages and increasing the number of workers. But this is not the case with the PF government,” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Finance Miles Sampa told Parliament that Government collected K18.8 trillion in taxes from January 1 to December 31 last year.
He said the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) collected K1.185 trillion excise duty, K1.7 trillion customs duty, K3.9 trillion value added tax, K4.5 trillion pay as you earn while K7.5 trillion was collected from other taxes.
[Zambia Daily Mail]
Labels: BAROTSE ROYAL ESTABLISHMENT, GUY SCOTT, SIKOTA WINA
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Loopholes revealed by the Barotse National Council (BNC)
TIME PUBLISHED - Saturday, April 7, 2012, 11:29 am
Who governs and represents the people, traditional leaders or elected officials?
By Maurice Makalu
Like all Zambians, I received the reported decision by the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) to resort to dialogue to address the issues surrounding the BA 1964 with joy in my heart. Even now as the Ngambela has refuted that he ever made any statements to suggest rescission of agitation for secession in preference for dialogue, we remain positive and trusting in the wisdom of the leadership in Western Province and government to ensure that the peace, calm and unity that we have always known as a nation endures.
And dialogue is the only way. As such it should become the rule and cease to be seen merely as an option. Even if it has to begin with extremist positions or the highest of tempers, mistrust and acrimony between the parties, there is no problem too big we cannot talk it over.
But aside from the secession resolutions, the BNC has crystallized two governance challenges that we need to address urgently as a multiparty democracy: parallel leadership structures and tribal integration.
a. Parallel Leadership Structures
The BNC was a gathering of around 2,000 chiefs and indunas or headmen. These considered themselves as representing Western Province ahead of 17 MPs and around 146 ward councilors who were elected by 188,519 people out of 394,660 registered voters there. The chiefs felt so representative that they even asked the elected MPs (and Minister) to resign.
Recently, Chief Nkole of Kapiri Mposhi was reported to have ordered the Kapiri Mposhi District Council not to displace his subjects from their farmlands in his chiefdom, denying ever giving HIS land to the state. The chief warned the Council to stop interfering into land issues in his chiefdom and not to undertake any land development works in the area without his permission. The chief said, “I have never signed anywhere that I have given land to the state so do not displace my people from their farms on this land because those are their permanent farms given to them with permits.”
The question is: Who governs and represents the people, traditional leaders or elected officials?
Obviously the answer is both. Zambia therefore must draw clear boundaries between the two. Nyerere in Tanzania opted to ban chiefs altogether to avoid tribalism, farm land squabbles and such. We have decided to retain them. Let us define their role very clearly and sensitise and contientise them so that they do not overstep their boundaries and start unnecessary frictions with elected leadership. It is anti-democracy to place inherited leadership ahead of elected leadership for by its very nature, inheritance is undemocratic. It perpetuates hegemony and marginalization and knows nothing about equality and human rights for all.
It is anti-democracy to place inherited leadership ahead of elected leadership for by its very nature, inheritance is undemocratic. It perpetuates hegemony and marginalization and knows nothing about equality and human rights for all.
In the modern era, when we speak of “self-determination,” like the BNC is seeking, it does not mean being ruled by a local instead of a foreigner, instead it means being ruled by an elected official. Election, regular popular election, not nationality, defines self-determination (democracy). The Arab Spring is a good example, where rulers ‘for life’ are being shown the exit door. Chief rulership is not self-determination.
So even as we devolve power from the centre to the regions, we must not allow inherited power to interfere with elected power other than through the ballot. It is a recipe for disaster. There is a reason developed democratic countries have confined their chiefs and kings to ceremonial roles only. We too can make our traditional leaders ceremonial leaders; let us have constitutional chieftaincy. Let’s put ‘spanners’ in our governance and development processes all in the name of respecting tradition. Democracy and development are the ‘tradition’ of the future and chiefs must not interfere or be seen to interfere with their traditions of the past.
b. Tribal Integration
The wider Zambian population received calls for secession with trepidation because we have all grown up under One Zambia One Nation, thanks to KK’s one party state and its strong nationalism drive. We have lived and shared together as one people, as brothers and sisters of one family. This however, is slowly being threatened with the emergency of multiparty democracy, where some people see tribalism, a form of hate speech, as part of their freedom of expression and association. Tribalism is raising its ugly head to an extent where some politicians are using it as their strategy in seeking political office.
Furthermore, as the BNC showed, chiefs rule over tribes. Despite assertions that Lozi is the ligua-franca of western province, Nkoyas disassociated themselves from what they perceived as a “Lozi” move. They are now also organizing a Nkoya council. God knows which other tribes will organise theirs as well. Mbundas on the other hand attended and presented a long list of complaints of “Lozi” marginalisation of Mbundas, and appealed for Mbunda chiefs to be recognized as senior chiefs as well.
How do we uphold our One Zambia One Nation as a multiparty democracy? We need deliberate government driven and sponsored tribal integration.
This should go beyond tribal balancing in political appointments where it is really hard to have real balance. Rather it should involve having a “National Population (or Tribal) Integration Policy” whose objective should be to integrate the 73 tribes, by deepening our appreciation of the “Ubuntu” that makes us bantu-speaking peoples; the humanity that makes us human.
Having Paramount Chief Chiti Mukulu as guest of honour at the Kuomboka Ceremony, or chief Mukuni at Ukusefya Pang’wena, would go a very long way in bringing Bembas, Lozis and Tongas together
.
Among other things, the policy must encourage and facilitate for chiefs, especially paramount and senior chiefs, to attend traditional ceremonies of other chiefs. The policy must prescribe what I can describe as chiefs ‘diplomatic’ relations, where our chiefs can pay each other courtesy calls; the Litunga going on a kingdom visit to Paramount Chief Gawa-Undi just like Presidents go on state visits; with lots of media coverage. On these visits, they should exchange gifts as souvenirs to be displayed in palaces back home so as to be reminded of “my visit to Chief Mukuni of the Tonga people.” This will build a rich tradition of friendship and cultural exchange between tribes, which will cement national unity.
Almost every province now has a community radio station. Let these stations broadcast cultural programmes about Zambian tribes. How about “Imitundu Yesu (Our Tribes)” programme on Radio Ichengelo on the Copperbelt, to discuss cultures of different tribes; or “Your Lozi, Lunda, etc Neighbour” on Radio Lundazi in Eastern Province. These community radio stations can allocate just 30 minutes a week to each of the 7 major tribes, where people of these tribes from within the communities can share their cultures, music, etc and just speak their language on air. After all they are in Zambia; therefore, at home.
Whatever we have to do to integrate and make our One Zambia One Nation more one, let us do it. Let not the Ministry of Traditional Affairs be only about looking after chiefs, their salaries and livelihood, but also bringing our rich tribal diversity closer together. When we sing: “One land and one nation is our cry… All one, strong and free,” we must remember it is an eternal cry, perpetual work in progress.
Labels: BAROTSE ROYAL ESTABLISHMENT, BAROTSELAND AGREEMENT
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Heavy presence of cops shocks BRE
By Mwala Kalaluka
Fri 23 Mar. 2012, 13:00 CAT
BAROTSE Royal Establishment Ngambela prime minister Wainyae Sinyinda is concerned that the government has sent a huge number of soldiers and police officers to police unarmed people that will attend the Barotse National Council in Mongu next week.
But defence minister Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba said yesterday that the government had not sent the soldiers to Mongu in view of the Barotse National Council but that it was part of the routine practice by the defence command.
And police sources said apart from two truckloads of Kamfinsa Mobile police officers that arrived in Mongu on Tuesday, 10 truckloads of Zambia Army personnel had also arrived in Mongu ahead of the Barotse National Council.
Sinyinda said in an interview from Limulunga yesterday that the BRE was aware of the police and soldiers that had arrived in Mongu over the last few days.
"We are concerned because what is surprising is that not even a single of us is armed, except our walking sticks," Sinyinda said.
"We are shocked to see a lot of soldiers and police have been sent to people who are not armed, that really is surprising us. But if they are coming here to secure the nation, then they know who they are going to protect."
Sinyinda said the BRE has since requested that no police officer should be positioned near the meeting venue for the Barotse National Council.
"The police should not be at the site because people will feel intimidated," Sinyinda said.
"We have been told that there are only 70 soldiers but what we hear is that the number is bigger."
But Sinyinda said the presence of police and soldiers in the area would not deter the people of Western Province from proceeding with the Barotse National Council.
"We shall proceed because we have already been given a go-ahead. We are not looking back," he said.
"But the people should not be intimidated in any way and they should feel free to come for the meeting."
Sinyinda said a prayer meeting aimed at ensuring that the Barotse National Council proceeds in a peaceful manner would be held today at the Litunga's palace grounds in Limulunga.
"Those who are coming here must observe maximum peace and order and no one should insult anybody," said Sinyinda.
According to police sources form Mongu, about 10 truckloads of Zambia Army personnel had arrived in the area over the last few days.
In January last year, the Rupiah Banda-led MMD government sent hundreds of police and intelligence personnel to Mongu to prevent a meeting called by Barotse activists to discuss the Barotseland Agreement, and as a result there were fatalities after some people were shot in cold blood.
And the Nkoya Royal Council has turned down an invitation from BRE to attend the Barotse National Council.
Kaoma district Nkoya Royal Council chairperson Yuvwenu Kashandola said in an interview from Kaoma that Nkoya chiefs, Mutondo and Kahare had been asked not to attend the convocation by their subjects.
Kashandola acknowledged that the two chiefs from Lukena and Njonjolo traditional establishments in Kaoma had received invitations from the BRE to attend the Barotse National Council.
"Invitations have been sent to these two royal establishments but for us we have seen that these invitations are not meaningful to us because that forum is not beneficial to our side," he said.
"At no time has the Barotse Royal Establishment accommodated Nkoyas as part of that royal establishment. Because we believe Litunga is our paramount chief and all the chiefs in Western Province should pay allegiance to him but that set up has never recognised the existence of Nkoyas."
Kashandola said the Nkoyas were aggrieved by the destruction of their literature by the Barotse Royal Establishment and the classification of Nkoyas as mere headmen.
"These traditional chiefs have a very rich and long history; they rank them together with people who were just their ambassadors into Mankoya land," said Kashandola.
"Thirdly, in 1993 they threatened to dethrone chief Mutondo and chief Kahare. If that was the case, how do we share a fora where there is such enmity? We should remain as Nkoyas in Mankoya land and the government should actually regard us with that position, that is our direction. They should not actually make us part of those resolutions and where they will discuss Barotseland let them not include Mankoya land."
Labels: BAROTSE ROYAL ESTABLISHMENT
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COMMENT - Has anyone seen the map of the Barotseland Agreement? It includes parts of other countries, and strays well beyond Western Province. :)
Barotse report cites government interference in WP traditional affairs
By Mwala Kalaluka
Wed 07 Mar. 2012, 12:00 CAT
MISUNDERSTANDINGS between Nkoya chief Mutondo and the Barotse Royal Establishment are largely a reflection of government interference in customs and traditions of the people of Western Province, according to the Dr Rodger Chongwe commission of inquiry. But a Lusaka legal practitioner says the commission's recommendations are not only a disgrace but an affront to the spirit of national unity.
In its summary of conclusions and recommendations accessed by The Post, which are contained in chapter four of its report presented to President Michael Sata recently, the commission also concluded that there was lack of dialogue between the BRE and Mwene Mutondo.
The commission of inquiry notes that the misunderstandings that exist between the BRE and some tribes within the province could be resolved amicably between the royal establishment and the other parties, especially after the restoration of the Barotseland Agreement 1964.
The commission found that the frosty relationship between the BRE and the government stems from the abrogation of the Barotseland Agreement in 1969 and subsequent actions by successive governments not to engage in meaningful dialogue with the BRE.
"Further, the events of 14th January 2011 have worsened the relationship thus creating a lot of mistrust and resentment of central government among the people of Western Province," the report reads.
"This is not conducive to the promotion of good and democratic governance in the country."
The commission concluded that efforts by the current government, such as the appointment of a commission of inquiry into the Mongu riots and the engagement of the BRE and the people of Western Province to resolve the Barotseland Agreement restoration impasse were progressive.
The commission urged the government and the BRE to establish clear rules of engagement on the restoration of the Agreement.
The commission recommended that after the restoration of the Barotseland Agreement, government and the BRE should negotiate all contentious issues that may impinge the smooth implementation of the Agreement.
"The people of Western Province have a legitimate cause to demand self-governance and for a fair distribution of the national resources," the report reads in part.
"Although the demand for self-governance by the majority of the petitioners may be genuine given the extent of deprivation and frustrations experienced...there is room for constructive dialogue and corrective action to be taken as opposed to the province seceding from the rest of the country."
The commission further recommended that the Barotseland Agreement should be considered for inclusion in the ongoing Constitution review process as a matter of national concern.
But Lusaka lawyer Chimbeka Sakala says he agrees with PF Secretary
General Wynter Kabimba that it was an oversight on the part of President Sata to have given the chairmanship of the commission of inquiry to Dr Chongwe.
"In fact he should not have even sat on the commission," Chimbeka stated in a press release. "The recommendations of the commission are
not just a disgrace but an affront to the spirit of unity that the President has, since assuming office, endeavoured to foster."
Chimbeka said the 'public' expected a reasoned report that would reflect the feelings of Zambians as 'One Zambia, One Nation'.
"But what we have been given is a recipe of anarchy blatantly being perpetuated by a bunch of lawyers led by none other than Dr. Chongwe who proclaims that owing to age and seniority at the bar they are not bound to err," Chimbeka stated. "It is because of that misconception that Dr. Chongwe misdirected his fellow commissioners to overstep the scope of work they were mandated to undertake."
Chimbeka described the commission's recommendations as treacherous and that he was shocked that Dr Chongwe could assert that Kabimba's comments on the recommendations were outside his role as PF secretary general.
"The views he expressed reflected the policy of the party pertaining to the Barotseland Agreement," Chimbeka stated.
"The most logical thing to do is agree on the boundaries of Barotseland at the time of the Barotseland Agreement. Thereafter call for a referendum within the boundaries and the result will put to rest the issue of the Barotseland Agreement."
Labels: BAROTSE ROYAL ESTABLISHMENT, BAROTSELAND AGREEMENT, CHIEF MWENE MUTONDO, ROGER CHONGWE, WESTERN PROVINCE
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COMMENT - That's the price for getting into politics.
Litunga complains of being sidelined
By Roy Habaalu
Mon 02 Jan. 2012, 14:00 CAT
Litunga feels left out by the PF government as he is perceived to be pro-MMD... THE Litunga has complained of being sidelined by the PF government.
Sources within the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) said the Litunga made the complaint when he met Inspector General of Police Dr Martin Malama last week on Thursday. The sources said the Litunga felt sidelined by the government, as he was ‘perceived' to be pro-MMD.
Prior to elections last year, the Litunga, through his Ngambela, pledged to work with Rupiah Banda.
He eulogised Banda's developmental projects in Western Province.
However, the Litunga now feels the PF government is sidelining him because of the ‘perception' that he is MMD.
"He complained that only three Indunas were invited during Independence Day celebrations at State House. The king feels the PF government doesn't recognise his authority. In particular, he complained that the government thinks he is behind people calling for secession," said one of the sources.
They said the Litunga said he had no authority to make a decision over the Barotseland Agreement.
"The king said he has no powers to make a decision or reverse a decision made by his Kuta," sources quoted the Litunga as saying.
"He asked the Inspector General of Police to tell His Excellency the President that when he sees that he (Litunga) is quiet, it's not that he was siding with anybody. He said ‘I wait for my Kuta to make a decision'," said sources.
Recently, during a commissioning parade for officer cadets in Kabwe, President Michael Sata said he was a disappointed Commander-in-Chief because some people had even appointed a prime minister in Western Province.
Dr Malama was in Mongu last week to get ‘first-hand' information on why some people wanted to create a state within a state.
He left Mongu on a Zambia Air Force (ZAF) plane on Friday between 09:00 hours and 10:00 hours after meeting the Litunga.
On Thursday, President Sata assured Zambians that no blood would be spilt over the Barotseland Agreement.
Speaking when he met a 12-man group of representatives of Linyungandambo/Barotse Freedom Movement (BFM) and the Movement for the Restoration of Barotseland Agreement at State House, President Sata called for dialogue and not confrontation over the Barotseland Agreement 1964.
"Dialogue will save the country and the people wherever you are but if you want confrontation, you are in a weaker position than government is," said President Sata.
Labels: BAROTSE ROYAL ESTABLISHMENT, LITUNGA, MMD
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ADD wants pro-MMD BRE indunas flushed out
By Mwala Kalaluka in Limulunga
Fri 02 Sep. 2011, 14:00 CAT
ADD says the Barotse Royal Establishment should flush out indunas who are MMD cadres so that the people's fight for the Barotseland Agreement is not hindered.
During a public rally addressed by Alliance for Development and Democracy ADD president Charles Milupi in Limulunga Royal Village on Tuesday, the party's provincial chairman Mumbisho Mulele said he agreed with assertions that the BRE in Mongu was a branch of the MMD.
Mulele said during the campaign rally which started with the singing of the Barotse 'national anthem' and not the Zambian one, that it was shameful to see BRE indunas and members of the royal family cavorting with those that had gravely offended the people of Barotseland.
"If all of us loved ourselves like God loves us, there would be no single person in Luena or Limulunga or indeed Western Province in its entirety who would welcome President Rupiah Banda," Mulele said.
"If we respected ourselves we would not do that, but because we are people that love insulting ourselves and putting filthy on our bodies, some of us even walk proudly thinking that we are in Banda's armpit."
Mulele said it was painful to recount January's Barotseland Agreement-related events in Mongu and Limulunga.
"Banda comes here to kill and for the first time gunshots were heard here in Limulunga. Our children cried and fell and there was blood all over after the bullets from Banda's barrel were fired," he said.
"Today, an entire induna who was taken through the rituals at the palace and knows that the Litunga signed the Barotseland Agreement can leave the flag of Barotseland and carry around Banda's flag. Remove them, we want to move forward."
He said it was shocking that after the gunshots that caused children to run away while others died and were buried, an induna from the BRE's Saa-Sikalo court could stand as an MMD councillor.
"I agree with those who are saying that the Saa-Sikalo is now a branch of the MMD. My colleagues, let us tell these people that they can't put on two different jackets at the same time," he said. "The blanket that an induna is covered in when being installed and the MMD chitenge can't be worn at the same time. When you are an induna, you can't be a constituency chairman for MMD and you can't be a councillor under MMD."
Mulele said being an induna implied that the lines had been drawn and that an induna only worked for the interest of Barotseland.
"We are being told by the same councillor, who is in Saa-Sikalo, that 'wait my children the Barotseland Agreement issue is still being discussed, we will inform you.' When will he inform you when he is a councillor working for the MMD?" he asked. "Let us demand that those indunas who are known to be MMD should be kicked out from there so that people that are going to fight for Barotseland can take over."
He appealed to the BRE's induna Inete, who presides over the traditional court, to give the people an opportunity to work by removing MMD cadres from the court so that they go and work for their party.
"If we remove those indunas working with the MMD, which is fighting Barotseland, it would be better even if there was a vacancy in that court," he said.
ADD leader Milupi said time for jokes was over.
Milupi said it was surprising that people like Luena MMD parliamentary candidate Mwangala Maopu could support a person like President Banda who sent police officers to shoot and kill people over the Barotseland Agreement early in the year.
He asked where Maopu and some then parliamentarians from the province like Professor Geoffrey Lungwangwa were when the people were burying Kalyangu Kangombe, who was shot and killed at Mongu BP Filling Station and Mulope, the shepherd from Nalikwanda who was killed in Malengwa.
Milupi said the many Lozis that were detained in Mumbwa over the Mongu riots did not have legal representation and several people from the province contributed towards their legal fees and feeding requirements.
He said when former Zambia Defence Forces commander General Malimba Masheke led other Lozis in writing to President Banda over the plight of the Barotse detainees, the person who attacked him was Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane.
"Today, Musokotwane wants to be voted as member of parliament in Liuwa!" he said.
Milupi said the people of Western Province should learn to be angry over certain things and react when they are slapped on the cheek.
ADD Luena parliamentary candidate, Gertrude Imenda said successive governments had ignored the people of Western Province; hence the high poverty levels.
Imenda asked the electorate to help her fit in Milupi's leadership shoes.
Labels: ADD, BAROTSE ROYAL ESTABLISHMENT, CHARLES MILUPI, MMD
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Subjects boo BRE
By Roy Habaalu in Mongu
Tue 26 July 2011, 14:00 CAT
SUBJECTS yesterday murmured and booed in disagreement when a Barotse Royal Establishment induna read out President Rupiah Banda’s position on the Barotseland issue during a public meeting at the Litunga’s palace in Limulunga.
And the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) says it is not revolting but that what it wants is for the Barotseland Agreement to be implemented. Meanwhile, Mongu’s induna Akashi was asked to retract his statement that corruption had compromised the BRE.
During a public meeting held at the Litunga’s court in Limulunga yesterday, which was attended by Litunga Lubosi Imwiko II, induna Inete said whether the MMD government continued or another one came into office the Barotseland Agreement should be implemented.
“We have evidence, it’s not that we want to revolt or we are bought, no. All we want is our agreement, that’s all. When you look at me, can I be bought? How much can I be bought?” induna Inete asked.
“We know we have elections this year but us we don’t look at elections; we just maintain our tradition. With or without elections, our culture will continue.”
Induna Inete said the Barotse National Councill will be meeting soon to discuss the way forward regarding the Barotseland Agreement.
As induna Inete continued his speech, murmurs were heard, especially from an area where some senior police officers were seated.
When the murmurs became audible, the Litunga was seen panicking, continuously consulting his senior indunas.
Senior government officers were heard expressing surprise and whispering to each other in disbelief that people could loudly disagree with the Litunga.
“Things are not okay this year, sir. People are not happy. They are not scared or disagreeing with the king,” a government official remarked.
Induna Inete pleaded that the BRE be given enough time to dialogue on the matter.
“Here is His Royal Highness the Litunga in good health. Give him enough time to discuss the matter with his courts. I heard some of you murmuring. It means you have heard otherwise. Don’t be surprised that that’s all we called you for. In our tradition, we should allow people to dialogue. The Barotse National Council will soon be meeting. Let’s stop attacking each other. Let’s maintain peace, Lozis are known for their peace,” induna Inete pleaded.
And Induna Akashi, who told The Post that corruption had compromised the administration of the establishment, was called in front of the Litunga where he retracted his earlier statement.
He said he last spoke to the media in January this year but was known for fighting for the Lozi tradition.
“I am shocked that people are accusing me of saying there is corruption in the royal administration. I am an induna and part of BRE, so how can I do such a thing? They just want me to fight with the BRE,” said Induna Akashi, who later joined in the traditional dance two metres from where the Litunga sat.
Despite induna Akashi’s denial of the words attributed to him, below is a part of the verbatim account of the recorded phone interview with our reporter Roy Habaalu conducted on Saturday morning.
Induna Akashi: “This government thinks we Lozis here don’t know what is happening. Government was supposed to talk about the Barotseland Agreement before the riots took place.”
“It’s not good, we should not cheat. You know those indunas being sent there, they are being bribed by the government. What we know, if it was a national council, it cannot do that entire thing. They never consult people. People of Barotseland are not aware of that. Of course, they should be letting the people know what they are doing.
“There is too much bribery. Corruption is too much. You know what happened? It’s wrong to talk now after people were killed when they wanted to talk about the agreement. For them to send indunas to say ‘vote for President Banda’ it’s too late. Those indunas there (BRE) they don’t know what they are doing. They shouldn’t be controlled by a party, they must follow tradition. And no one will accept what they will say, not even a single person will listen to that. Barotseland is Barotseland.”
Editor’s Note: We challenge induna Akashi to deny the authenticity of the words attributed to him. We have a full recording of the interview with induna Akashi and The Post is ready to pay for airtime to broadcast it.
Labels: BAROTSE ROYAL ESTABLISHMENT, CHIEFS, RUPIAH BANDA
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Corruption has compromised BRE, charges induna Mulubani
By Roy Habaalu in Mongu
Mon 25 July 2011, 13:59 CAT
CORRUPTION has compromised the administration of the Barotse Royal Establishment, says an induna. In an interview Mukumbuta Mulubani, who is induna Akashi of Mushi-mutata village, said some Indunas were paid to tell their people to vote for the MMD, a party that had killed their people.
The Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) has written to Indunas telling them to inform their subjects to attend a meeting tomorrow at the Limulunga palace where it is expected to announce that the government will restore the Barotseland Agreement if they voted for President Rupiah Banda.
“No one will accept what they will say. Not even a single person will listen to that. Barotseland is Barotseland,” Induna Akashi said.
“Some Indunas have been bribed by the government. If it was a national council, it cannot do all those things because they (BRE) didn’t consult people. People are not aware of meetings between BRE and the government. There is too much bribery, corruption is too much,” he said.
He said the Kingdom of Barotseland had its own government.
“So all that those Indunas will be saying is fake. For them (BRE) to tell people that vote for President, it’s too late. Batu babashwile bo, bakabaeza cwani? (What about those who died, what will they do about them?) There is no need and it’s against tradition,” he said.
He said the indunas didn’t know what they were doing and would only annoy the people.
“Police officers have been killing people. There is no peace in Zambia, and I am telling you it’s all parts of Zambia where people are complaining. It’s not only Barotseland. So the government should embrace everyone,” he said.
He said there would be no ‘One Zambia, One nation’ as long as the Barosteland Agreement was not recognised.
“How can there be private visits to State House that are not known to the people. In our tradition, whenever the Litunga goes out, people are told why he’s gone out, but nowadays we don’t see that. I don’t understand. MMD should not think they are the god of Zambia, no!” said induna Akashi.
Labels: BAROTSE ROYAL ESTABLISHMENT, CORRUPTION
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Non-partisan royal establishments
By The Post
Thu 05 May 2011, 04:00 CAT
IT is surprising that
the people who banned our traditional rulers, our chiefs from actively taking part in the politics of our country are the ones today in the forefront of asking them for endorsement in this year’s elections.If it is wrong for traditional rulers or chiefs to contest political office in an election, it should be equally unacceptable for them to be agents of those seeking elective political office.
All that this means is that our traditional rulers have to come to terms with what it means to live in a multiparty political dispensation. And in our view, the best option is for them to take a non-partisan approach to politics and governance issues in our country. There is need for our traditional rulers to put themselves above partisan politics.
This is not to say they should have nothing to do with politics, they should not speak for their people. They have a duty to remind the government, the politicians in power to pay attention to the human needs and sufferings of their subjects. This is their responsibility, a responsibility they have to fulfil if they are to continue being relevant to the lives of their subjects. They have the duty to speak for their subjects, especially the poor and the disadvantaged.
This means that our traditional rulers will still be political, but not partisan. It is their duty to guide our politicians, especially those in government, in matters that affect the lives of their subjects. They have a duty to contribute toward the reign of justice and charity within the borders of their chiefdoms and between chiefdoms.
The choice of which political party or candidate to vote for is left to the free decision of the subjects.
Our traditional rulers have both the right and the duty to speak out on matters that affect their subjects. They have both the right and duty to participate fully in building a just and peaceful society with all the means at their disposal. A traditional authority is not fully rooted among its people if it is not concerned about their wellbeing.
Our traditional rulers should value the democratic system inasmuch as it ensures the participation of their subjects in making political choices, guaranteeing them the possibility of electing and holding accountable the politicians who govern them, and replacing them through peaceful means when appropriate. However, this does not require them to be partisan, to be agents or supporters of any political party or candidate.
Taking a partisan position threatens the respect and integrity of our traditional rulers. What should stop a subject who does not support the same political party or candidate as their chief from criticising the chief and his political choice? And what happens if the chief happens to be supporting the most unpopular party or candidate?
The end result is that the chief will alienate himself from his people. And his survival will not be based on the prestige and support he enjoys from his people but from the protection he is given by the politicians he supports.
But what type of chief will that be? It is said a chief is a chief because of the respect and support he has from people, from his subjects. A chief without subjects is not a chief. A chief who has been deserted by his people ceases to be a chief; he is as good as a dethroned chief. It’s the support of subjects and their respect that makes a chief a chief.
Partisan politics threaten all this; it has the tendency to bring the chief into conflict with his subjects. Look at the situation in Southern Province where the chiefs had been supporting MMD and Rupiah Banda while their subjects have been voting for UPND. Where does this leave the chiefs? What influence can they claim to have on their people?
What leadership can they claim to be providing to their subjects? Can they even really claim to have subjects?
If what we hear about the Barotse Royal Establishment deciding to be non-partisan is true, then they are headed for better things, for better days and for more prestige and respect among their subjects.
This is what has helped the British Monarch, the Queen of England, to continue enjoying the respect of most of the British people and their politicians. It is believed that the British royal family is much more politically inclined towards the Conservatives.
But it’s difficult to see this in their daily actions and pronouncements. They don’t seem to have any influence on who is elected to form government. The commoners elect their own governments and those governments, in turn, work with the monarch to govern the country.
It will be better for our royal establishments in Zambia to keep away from becoming election agents or servants of politicians who come and go, who win and lose elections.
Moreover, their subjects are spread across the whole political spectrum. This being the case, where do they place those who don’t support the political party or candidate they support? What type of cooperation can be there between them and their subjects who are on the other end of the political spectrum?
We know that our royal establishments are facing a lot of financial hardships because their source of income, the royalties or taxes they used to receive have been taken away from them. But the solution is not partisan politics or political patronage.
The solution lies in the enactment of a good constitution and laws that recognise and respect the role they play in the governance of our country and accordingly supporting them financially and otherwise. Again, this should not be an act of benevolence on the part of any individual politician.
It should be a product of national consensus and decision to give to the chiefs what belongs to the chiefs – it is simply a question of giving to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and not making Caesar beg or play servitude over what belongs to him.
The decision we should make is whether or not we need all these royal establishments in our country. If we need them, they have to be supported financially and otherwise in a dignified manner. If we don’t need them, let’s say so and do away with them.
There are countries that have abolished monarchs. But we have also seen countries which are reinstating the monarchs they had abolished. The choice is ours. But there are always better ways of doing things and let’s do it the best way, whatever effort this demands or calls for.
We have to take responsibility as a people for the type of traditional rulers or chiefs we have.
Since we are the ones who make them chiefs, we should be responsible for what type of chiefs we have. We should take responsibility for the type of traditional leadership we are creating in this country. In the end, what we get is the type of traditional rulers or chiefs we deserve.
Labels: BAROTSE ROYAL ESTABLISHMENT
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BRE’s non-partisan stance cheers Milupi
By Mwala Kalaluka
Thu 05 May 2011, 04:01 CAT
IT is pleasing that the Barotse Royal Establishment has clarified that it is a neutral and non-partisan institution which does not support any political party, says Charles Milupi.
And dialogue between the MMD government and the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) over the Barotseland Agreement of 1964 controversy has commenced with the government asking for more time.
Milupi, who is Alliance for Democracy and Development (ADD) leader and Luena parliamentarian, said it was pleasing that the BRE clarified that the statement that was attributed to the acting Ngambela in the public media was not correct.
“That should bring shame to those that were claiming that they were supporting them when in fact not,” Milupi said.
“That is the stance that all of us as politicians and those of us who are subjects of BRE, that is the stance that we expected and in fact it is a parental stance.”
Milupi said any politician regardless of their political inclination should feel comfortable to approach and discuss with the BRE.
“With regard to the statement made earlier, yes it raised concern,” he said.
Milupi said the major concern was how the MMD government was trying to abuse the chiefs using the public media to incorrectly reflect and sensationalise issues relating to traditional leaders.
“I know the BRE very well. It is a renowned institution and I didn't believe for one minute that that was the correct position of the BRE,” Milupi said. “We have seen the same in Southern Province.”
Milupi said the MMD government was desperately and corruptly trying to reduce the status of chiefs because it had realised that it was losing ground.
And highly-placed government sources told The Post on Tuesday that the government finally responded to a petition presented to President Rupiah Banda by the Barotse National Council (BNC) at State House early this year.
Recently, the BRE's acting Ngambela Litia Walubita said the traditional establishment was concerned with the delay by the government to respond to the suggestions of the BNC on how to resolve the problems arising from the Barotseland Agreement.
“Dialogue has started but the government has asked for some time to study the petition. They are saying if they rush it dialogue, the issue might not be addressed completely. They want to find a permanent solution,” the source said.
“Some reply came from the government to say ‘we are looking at that issue, give us a bit of time’. The government replied and the BRE agreed to give them a bit of time, although the government did not specify the time frame.”
The sources said senior chief Inyambo Yeta of Sesheke, senior chief Anang'anga Imwiko of Lukulu, senior chief Amukena Isiteketo of Kaoma and the Litunga of the South, met in Mongu recently to assure the people that the process of dialogue with the government over the Barotseland Agreement had not been abandoned.
But 92-year-old Maxwell Mututwa says the dialogue over the Barotseland Agreement should be finalised before the general elections and should also include the ordinary people of Western Province.
Mututwa, said on Tuesday that the people of Western Province were still in deep sorrow following the death of 70-year-old former treason accused Mwiya Sihope and 16-year-old Mumbwa Barotse detainee, Kabayo Kabayo.
“These children did not fight anyone. They were arrested and it seems the government was fighting with ghosts because the police was getting people from their homes. So who caused the violence?” Mututwa asked. “The police shot and killed people but none has been arrested.”
Mututwa said the people that died over the Barotseland Agreement issue should be honoured.
“That is why we are asking Rupiah Banda to release all the detainees because whatever the police are saying against them are all lies. They arrested people from their homes not on the roads. No one was caught rioting. This government is just troubling these people,” Mututwa said.
Mututwa further complained over the continued police presence in the province, saying such numbers of security agents went to places where there was a war.
“We are asking the Barotse National Council to look at all these issues so that the BRE and the people work together,” Mututwa said. “People of Western Province don't want MMD because MMD has killed innocent people. The people have rejected the MMD.”
Mututwa said only an all-inclusive dialogue strategy could chart the way forward over the issue.
“The people want dialogue before the elections are held and Rupiah Banda should release all the detainees because they are innocent,” Mututwa said.
He said the government should allow the people to hold public meetings over the Barotseland Agreement without instructing the police to arrest or shoot anyone, as this was the only way the government could get the people's true feelings.
Labels: BAROTSE ROYAL ESTABLISHMENT, CHARLES MILUPI
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Delayed response irritates BRE
By Mwala Kalaluka in Limulunga
Wed 06 Apr. 2011, 04:01 CAT
THE Barotse Royal Establishment says President Rupiah Banda’s government is taking too long to respond to its suggestions on how to resolve the Barotseland Agreement controversy.
And the Barotse Royal Establishment's acting Ngambela prime minister Litia Walubita says people that were circulating rumours that the Litunga is 'dead' are pathological liars.
During an inter-denominational service attended by Litunga Lubosi Imwiko II at his Limulunga palace grounds on Friday morning, Ngambela Walubita said the BRE had not relaxed efforts to engage the government on the Barotseland Agreement issue.
“I know that people are very anxious about the Barotseland Agreement but we are not just seated,” Ngambela Walubita told a crowd that came to see Litunga Imwiko. “We are being prodded by the district royal establishments and the latest is the Imangambwa chief induna at Naliele in Kaoma, who is here with us and had been asking how far we are on this issue.”
Ngambela Walubita said the Barotse Royal Establishment BRE was of the view that issues around the Barotseland Agreement needed to be dealt with one at a time.
“Some people were sent to Lusaka to go and find out because the other time we Barotse National Council went to State House and told the government that ‘what we have come here for is not to secede. What we are here for is to ensure that our Agreement is respected,” Ngambela Walubita said.
“The President and his people gave their side and they said 'it won't take long, we shall respond to you.' But there will be a problem because people are now wondering when that response will come.”
Ngambela Walubita said in view of the silence from the government another BRE delegation was sent to Lusaka recently to go and find out the government's position on the matter.
“They came back the other day and they told us it was promising and that the government will reply this week,” Ngambela Walubita said. “That letter from the government will determine whether we go and meet with them or we call on people to come and dance the warriors' dance ngomalume.”
Ngambela Walubita, who rubbished assertions that the Litunga and his indunas had been paid billions of kwacha in order to kill the discourse on the Barotseland Agreement, urged the people to wait for the outcome of the BRE's involvement.
“Such kind of mudslinging is not constructive,” he said.
“It is shameful that some people from the royal family are also involved in this malicious campaign but it shall not take a while we will catch them.”
Ngambela Walubita said the Kuomboka Ceremony of the Lozi people would take place this year and rumours suggesting that it would not take place were baseless.
“Preparations have already started,” Ngambela Walubita said. “Next week I might be announcing the date for the Kuomboka.”
And Ngambela Walubita said the rumour that the Litunga had passed away was a wake up call to the BRE.
“Those lies that are circulating, tell the people that they are all lies. Look, today he Litunga Imwiko is here. Can you say someone is mad when he is not mad?” Ngambela Walubita said amidst ululations.
“But these rumours have made us realise that from now on we shall not allow our Litunga to be only in one place. We shall advise him to be mobile.”
Ngambela Walubita said those that continue to think that the Litunga was only benefitting by virtue of being on the throne should go to his village, Nasiyongo, and see the number of cattle he had.
“The Litunga is self-sustaining,” said Ngambela Walubita.
Labels: BAROTSE ROYAL ESTABLISHMENT, BAROTSELAND AGREEMENT, LITIA WALUBITA
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Chaos might grip Barotseland - BRE
By Amos Malupenga
Sun 13 Feb. 2011, 04:01 CAT
THE Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) says discontent and widespread lawlessness might be the order of the day in Barotseland unless the Barotseland Agreement is expeditiously restored.
This is according to resolutions of the BRE’s Barotse National Council (BNC) meeting held at Limulunga’s Nayuma Museum from January 21 to February 2, 2011 and obtained by The Post.
The resolutions that were presented to President Rupiah Banda at State House by senior chief Inyambo Yeta on behalf of Litunga Lubosi Imwiko last Thursday, took note of how past governments persistently refused to recognise the Barotseland Agreement of 1964. The Council stated that this was so despite the numerous appeals from the BRE.
“One of the causes of the frustration among the people of Barotseland is due to lack of development, unemployment and poverty,” the BRE stated.
The BRE stated that they were totally opposed to people engaged in unlawful acts as a way of solving the issues of the abrogation of the Barotseland Agreement.
“The restoration of Barotseland Agreement of 1964 is not secession,” they resolved.
The BRE stated that it would appreciate if the proposed engagement with the current government could resolve this matter once and for all.
“The BRE on behalf of the people of Barotseland want to make it absolutely clear that it will not shift from its clearly publicly stated position that the restoration and implementation of the Barotseland Agreement of 1964 remains the most urgent matter for discussion with the government,” the BRE stated.
The BRE proposed that talks between it and the government over the above issue should commence within a month.
“The government position shall be communicated to BRE in a month thereafter,” they resolved. “The restoration of the Barotseland Agreement of 1964 into the Constitution shall be effected during the lifespan of the current Parliament and the next Parliament.”
The resolutions further stated that the BRE and the government should publicise the Barotseland Agreement in the print media in order to enhance transparency.
The BRE also resolved that the BNC would now be meeting at least twice a year to discuss and present the state of affairs of Barotseland and sensitise people to uphold their culture and tradition.
“The BRE will hold Pizo public meetings in as many times as it is necessary in order to analyse and resolve contentious issues,” they stated. “The people of Barotseland shall not take kindly to any individual or any groups of individuals bringing the institution of the Litungaship into public ridicule or dispute by making derogatory remarks.”
It was resolved further that the BRE would have to broaden its membership in order to represent all stakeholders and that all pressure groups in the area should realise that it was the final authority on matters of governance.
Members of parliament from Western Province, according to the resolutions, were also told to be proactive on the issues of the Barotseland Agreement while the youths were asked to engage in self-employment ventures to improve their living standards.
Labels: BAROTSE ROYAL ESTABLISHMENT
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‘Rupiah will have to answer over Mongu shootings’
By Mwala Kalaluka in Mongu
Sun 16 Jan. 2011, 04:01 CAT
A Mongu businessman says President Rupiah Banda will have to answer over the police's shooting of his nephew during the fracas that erupted between officers and residents over the Barotseland Agreement on Friday.
And the Police top command yesterday sent over 50 paramilitary police officers to Mongu for reinforcement.
In an interview at Lewanika General Hospital where he took his nephew Caleb Ng’andu, 22, after he was shot and injured by police in Limulunga, Morris Litula said President Banda and the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) would have to answer over the shooting incident.
Ng'andu suffered intestinal damage after the bullet entered his abdomen and came out the other side. He had to undergo emergency surgery. So far, nine people, among them an 11-year-old boy, are nursing bullet wounds in Lewanika General Hospital.
Litula said he held President Banda and the BRE responsible over the shooting of his nephew because of the heavy-handed manner the government and the traditional establishment were handling the issue of the Barotseland Agreement.
Litula said before the shooting incident, he was among some businessmen that were taken to the police station on the basis that they were the ones allowing Barotse activists to place barricades on the roads.
“My nephew was shot at in Limulunga,” Litula said.
“I am not happy over what has happened. People should have been allowed to sit down and discuss. These shootings have caused chaos and people will not relent now.”
Litula said most of the people that had been shot by the police were not even at the venue where the Barotse activists' public meeting was supposed to take place in Limulunga.
One of those injured was identified as Chilemu Chilemu, a grade five pupil at Mongu's Imwiko Basic School. A team of health personnel were on hand at Lewanika General Hospital's Casualty Department but the hospital administration were in a quandary as they could not use the ambulance to ferry any injured people to the institution.
And at around 18:30 hours on Friday, a team of police officers took a body of an unidentified young male who they said was found properly placed in the middle of the road at Malengwa.
The firing of live ammunition around Mongu town continued into the evening with some of the youth activists promising to 'deal' with the police officers later in the night. Some Mongu residents who feel might be on the police wanted list have left the town.
And irate youths on Friday caused extensive damage to the Mongu Municipal Council offices as they fought with police officers along the town's Independence Avenue.
Meanwhile, police have arrested a former Ngambela prime minister of Western Province Maxwell Mututwa in connection with the activism arising from the Barotseland Agreement.
Calm has returned to Mongu. Yesterday morning, most Mongu and Limulunga residents were seen trying to get back to their normal businesses and police vehicles that were seen patrolling the two places were mostly ignored.
However, the main roads in the two places, which are about 17 kilometres apart, were littered with debris of the barricades that had been placed there by the youth activists on Friday.
And operations at Mongu Municipal Council have suffered following the damage caused to the local authority's offices and equipment by irate youths that resisted attempts by the police to push them away from the roads leading to the town centre.
The youths used stones, logs and other tools to damage doors and windows at the council offices. A fire tender, two hearses and two Toyota Hilux vehicles had their windscreens shattered by the irate protesters. Mongu town clerk Frank Kalenga checked on the damage yesterday morning and wondered how the council was going to deliver services to the people in the light of the vandalism on its offices and equipment.
And following the Friday fracas, Western Province minister together with community development minister, Sikwibele Mwapela and Michael Kaingu respectively, held a consultative meeting with about 20 senior Mongu residents at Country Lodge.
Among those that attended the meeting were former Zambian High Commissioner to South Africa Silumelume Mubukwanu, Jubilee Zambia provincial coordinator Evans Musialela, Charles Nyambe, Bernard Silumesii, a representative from Oblate Radio Liseli and some church representatives.
Meanwhile, the police has continued to clamp down on the so-called ringleaders of the Barotse activism with the latest being Mututwa, who was arrested in Senanga around 11:00 hours yesterday as he was getting back to his base from Mongu using a cab.
Police sources in Senanga said Mututwa was picked up together with the cab driver. The sources said Mututwa was taken from Senanga to Mongu Central Police station where he was going to be detained.
There was also pandemonium in Limulunga yesterday morning after police started picking males from their houses.
Men in Limulunga Royal Village accused the police of trying to provoke them following their decision to harass and detain most of them.
Labels: BAROTSE ROYAL ESTABLISHMENT, BAROTSELAND AGREEMENT
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Absence of Barotse agreement in draft constitution angers BRE
By Henry Sinyangwe
Tue 03 Aug. 2010, 10:00 CAT
THE Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) is aggrieved that the provisions of the Barotseland Agreement have not been considered in the draft constitution.
Making submissions to the National Constitutional Conference (NCC) on the draft constitution yesterday, acting Ngambela Litia Walubita submitted that the articles of the constitution defining Zambia as a unitary state should acknowledge the Barotseland Agreement as the instrument by which the unitary state is constituted.
Walubita said the BRE found part II of the draft constitution, which talks about the Republican and sovereignty of the country not inclusive.
“The BRE remains aggrieved that the provisions of the Barotseland Agreement have not been considered in the draft constitution,” Walubita said.
He submitted that article 4(2) which establishes Zambia as a unitary, multi-party, multi-ethnic and multi-cultural democratic state should be recast to reflect the origins of the unitary state.
Walubita submitted that article 4(3) was an unnecessary overkill in the protection of indivisibility of the unitary state adding that the clause would make sense if it was supported by an acknowledgement of the Barotseland Agreement of 1964, which enforces the unitary and indivisibility of the state.
According to article 4(3), the Republic shall not be ceded in whole or in part to another country.
He said article 4(5) like clause 4(3) was targeted at the Barotseland because it was the only region of Zambia that had unequivocal right to establish a regional government.
According to article 4(5), the establishment of a new state within the territory of the Republic of Zambia is prohibited.
“It should be emphasised that this right preceded the birth of the Republic of Zambia and is therefore not bestowed on Barotseland by Zambia,” Walubita said.
He said the BRE found article 213(1) to be inadequate in legislation for provincial, district and local authority’s administration.
According to article 213(1), Parliament shall enact legislation applicable to provinces, districts and local authorities.
Walubita stated that the Barotseland Agreement of 1964 placed the aspect of government administration under the Litunga and council.
He stated that the power given by the constitution to Parliament to legislate for administration of provinces, districts and local authorities should be made subject to the provisions of the Barotseland Agreement 1964 as enshrined under clause eight of the Barotseland agreement.
Walubita stated that the BRE found part XIX article 290(2), which defines customary land, wanting because it failed to include land vested in the Litunga within the definition of customary land.
He submitted that the clause should be amended by the insertion of land vested in the Litunga as customary land.
According to article 290(2), customary is land held by communities identified on the basis of tribe, residence or community of residence.
He further submitted that the powers of the President over minerals and petroleum under article 293(1) should not be so sweeping that they override the existing powers of the Litunga over land in Barotseland.
According to article 293(1), all rights of ownership, in searching for, mining and disposing of, minerals and petroleum, wheresoever located in Zambia, are hereby vested in the President in trust for, and on behalf of, the people of Zambia.
Walubita submitted that the article should be re-aligned with the provisions relating to the control of land in Barotseland.
According to the detailed submission, part of the Barotseland Agreement, which was signed on May 19, 1964 was the extension of regional autonomy to the Barotseland on matters that included land.
Labels: BAROTSE ROYAL ESTABLISHMENT, CONSTITUTION, LITIA WALUBITA, NCC
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Mongu Council audit reveals irregular payment to BRE
Written by Nyambe Muyumbana in Mongu
Sunday, December 28, 2008 12:29:09 PM
WESTERN Province local government auditor Persie Mushabati has stated that Mongu Council is on the verge of collapse and has since called for the disbandment of the current management of the council.
And an audit report done by Mushabati under the directive of former local government minister, Sylvia Masebo, has revealed that Mongu Council irregularly paid the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) K125 million, money which was meant for the ‘Keep Zambia Clean’ campaign programme.
Meanwhile, Mulambwa ward councillor in Mongu, Mwenda Lishebo said that it was sad that local government minister Benny Tetamashimba had illegally suspended the elections of mayors, making it difficult for Mongu Council to deliberate on the audit report by Mushabati.
In his audit report dated July 2, 2008 but only made available to the media recently, Mushabati stated that most of the officers in management at the council were not qualified to hold their positions because they did not meet the requirements of Statutory Instrument No. 115 of 1996 which stipulated who should be employed in management positions of the council.
Mushabati stated that it was obvious that reconciling Mongu Council management towards good relationship that could foster development was not attainable with the current environment prevailing, saying that the level at which management was divided into camps for different interests was too high.
He advised that the only solution for Mongu Council was to fire and retire all officers in management and then recruit a new management team that could run the affairs of the council with adherence to the contents of Statutory Instrument No. 115 of 1996.
Mushabati also said that management officers were fond of bribing councillors so that they could support them when they were in problems, a development he said was worsening the division amongst councillors.
The audit report also revealed that Mongu council on October 8 and 16, 2007 paid K25 million and K100 million to the BRE, money which was deposited in its account by the Ministry of Local Government for the purpose of the ‘Keep Zambia Clean’ campaign program.
Mushabati wondered as to why the money was paid to the BRE which was not a government service provision institution and also advised that the BRE be brought to book to account for the money since all government funds were subjected to audit.
The report further revealed that Mongu Council drew the sum of K12, 749,958 from the Constituency Development Fund account purporting that the money was to be used for monitoring unspecified projects when it was in the actual sense spent on workers as salaries.
Mushabati recommended that the money be reimbursed immediately and called for disciplinary action to be taken towards the officers who authorised the release of the funds.
Other issues revealed by the report include the misappropriation of K150 million which was paid to council workers as salaries, funds which were meant for the construction of public toilets and a play park as directed by the Ministry of Local Government.
Mushabati observed that diversion of capital funds to recurrent expenditure was undermining government policy and programmes, saying that it constituted serious financial indiscipline.
He recommended that the management officers that approved the transaction be charged.
The report further revealed that the town clerk was paid K13 million for his paid study leave so that he could meet his tuition fees, contrary to a council resolution that recommended that only part of his total K12.5 million tuition fees be met by the council.
The town clerk is also being highlighted in the report as having illegal ownership of more than seven plots and Mushabati has therefore, recommended that he be investigated for abuse of authority.
Labels: BAROTSE ROYAL ESTABLISHMENT, MONGU, PERSIE MUSHABATI, SYLVIA MASEBO
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Mudenda advises dairy farmers on co-operation
Written by George Zulu
Thursday, November 13, 2008 6:14:14 PM
DAIRYSAV project coordinator Mweetwa Mudenda has said
lack of organised small-scale dairyfarmer groups in Western Province has led to the collapse of milk production in the province.
During a tour of selected dairy farms in the Southern Province organised by GART and Micro-Bankers Trust, Mudenda said
lack of milk production on a commercial basis in Western Province had resulted from the absence of organised farmer groups that focus on cooperatives as a business venture.
Some dairy farmers from Mongu and Senanga were part of the team that visited some dairy farms in Southern Province.
Mudenda said despite people having a lot of dairy animals, they did not take milk production as a source of income and investment by forming cooperatives.
“The only way dairy farmers can benefit from their animals is through milk production and forming of cooperatives which will manage their finances and the provision of technical support on how to increase the production of milk,” he said.
Mudenda expressed hope that the coming on board of the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) was an encouragement towards the revival of cooperatives in the province in order economically empower the people of Western Province.
He also expressed hope that the tour of Southern Province by dairy farmers from Mongu and Senanga would bring a different dimension in the manner people in the province view dairy farming at both commercial and subsistence levels.
Mudenda further said DairySav would also offer capacity building in dairy technical skills and expanded access to financial service, adding that this would enable the farmers avoid manipulation in the running of the cooperatives.
Labels: BAROTSE ROYAL ESTABLISHMENT, COOPERATIVES, DAIRY, DAIRYSAV, GART, MWEETA MUDENDA, WESTERN PROVINCE
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BRE urges peace before, after elections
By Mwala Kalaluka in Nalolo
Monday October 06, 2008 [04:00]
THE Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) in Senanga District has said the peaceful environment that has existed in the country for the past 44 years should not be lost during the October 30 presidential poll.
And the Catholic Commission for Justice , and Peace (CCJDP) in Mongu has urged its members not to be swayed by politicians that bribe them with all sorts of items in the run-up to the October 30 poll.
Speaking when the Patriotic Front (PF) vice-president Guy Scott called on her, Litunga-la-Mboela Makwili said that politicians should ensure that even as they campaign for the presidency, the peace that has prevailed since independence should be maintained.
She said that her royal establishment did not want to see an eruption of political violence before and after the October 30 election.
She said so far the people in her area had heard from two of the presidential aspirants – the MMD’s Rupiah Banda and PF’s Guy Scott, and that they were now waiting to hear from the UPND presidential hopeful, Hakainde Hichilema.
Litunga-la-Mboela Makwili, whose 52-year reign has outlasted three presidents, said it was up to the people to choose whom they wanted to be their fourth Republican president.
Meanwhile, the United Liberal Party (ULP) members in Nalolo Constituency have distanced themselves from their leader Sakwiba Sikota’s support for the MMD presidential hopeful, Rupiah Banda.
During a meeting with area member of parliament Inonge Wina in Muyo, the party members resolved to support PF’s candidate Michael Sata.
After the meeting, some ULP members besieged PF officials to demand portraits of Sata.
And Our Lady of Lourdes CCJDP Catholic team leader Chrispin Kaseleka, said that the people should question the candidates on what they are going do for them when they are voted into power.
He said there were so many issues which needed to be addressed urgently and urged the electorate not to be compromised by offers of beer or T-shirts as they cast their votes.
He said this during Mass yesterday.
Labels: BAROTSE ROYAL ESTABLISHMENT, CCJP
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