I've never supported secession - Litunga
By Roy Habaalu
Fri 23 Nov. 2012, 17:10 CAT
THE Litunga has told Catholic priests and other church leaders in Mongu that he has never supported calls for secession of Western Province.
The Litunga, who is Catholic, met the priests and other church leaders at his palace on Wednesday from 15:00 hours till late in the night to talk about current issues relating to the province.
Sources close to the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) who attended the meeting said the Litunga disapproved of immediate past Ngambela (chief counsellor) Clement Wainyae Sinyinda's advocating secession.
Sinyinda, a former deputy minister in the MMD administration, resigned as Ngambela recently following deep-rooted disagreements with Litunga Lubosi Imwiko.
According to sources, the Litunga had wanted to dialogue with the government but Sinyinda refused accusing him (Litunga) of being compromised.
"The Litunga spoke freely and was very open to us and spoke more as a parent and not as king. There were no restrictive protocols and there is hope at the end.
It was a fruitful meeting. He acknowledged that a lot of things were happening and that was the reason he wanted us to hear directly from his mouth. The Litunga said; 'It's the trust and respect I have for the Church that's why I invited you here, hear it from me I have never supported calls advocating for secession'. He was very clear and said at no time had he sanctioned calls for Western Province to gain independence from the Republic of Zambia.
He said he has always believed in addressing the unemployment and poverty levels in the province. He explained that historically, the BRE had worked with all successive governments and saw nothing wrong with addressing concerns with over the Barotseland Agreement with President Michael Sata," said the sources.
"After disagreeing to dialogue with the government, Sinyinda teamed up with some indunas and began a tour of the country telling people that the Litunga had let down his people.
He was moving around with Induna Mukulwakashiko (Batuke Imenda) soliciting for signatures from Lozis that they had lost confidence in the Litunga and that Barotseland was ready to govern itself. The Litunga says he was not consulted over the holding of the Barotse National Council (BNC) but when he learnt about it, he called it illegal and refused to approval its resolutions to secede from Zambia," said another source.
Sources said listening to the Litunga, it was shocking why Sinyinda mobilised people calling for secession because that was never the position of the BRE.
Sources said after the Litunga made attempts to dialogue with the government to address complaints raised by groups of activists, Sinyinda opposed and changed his sim card cutting communication between the two.
"It was learnt that some activists were collecting money from international organisations and Lozis in the Diaspora," the sources said.
According to the sources, the Litunga invited the Church so that they could know that the BRE and himself were not against Sinyinda but his illegal activities in the name of the establishment.
And efforts to get a comment from Sinyinda proved futile and could not be reached on his mobile.
Labels: BAROTSE ROYAL ESTABLISMENT, CATHOLIC CHURCH, LITUNGA, SECESSION
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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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Protest against Sata fails to take off in Mongu
By Allan Mulenga and Fridah Nkonde
Tue 17 July 2012, 11:00 CAT
THE planned peaceful protest among Mongu residents against President Michael Sata's remarks over the Litunga failed to take-off on Saturday after police intervened.
And Western Province police commissioner Fanwell Siandenge confirmed the cancellation of the protest because the protestors did not have a police permit. Sources disclosed that pockets of people from various towns in the province gathered at Shoprite as early as 07:00 hours to stage a peaceful protest.
The source said some of the people from Western Province were seemingly angered by President Sata's statement at State House that the Litunga, like any other chief, did not enough powers.
President Sata, in response to an opposition leader's remark that the government was planning to take away some of the Litunga's powers, said government had no intention of getting any of the traditional ruler's powers.
And Siandenge explained that protestors, who wanted to walk along Mongu road from Shoprite, were told to use the right forum when airing their grievances and not to take to the streets.
"We just got wind of it, then we called their leaders yesterday at the office where we had a very fruitful discussion with them. We advised the organisers of the same protest that it was not the right forum.
They should have informed us seven days before getting on to action. Demonstration against the head of state, it is not possible that as police we can grant it. But if they are aggrieved, we have the provincial administration. They can take their grievances to the two.
Then it is from there, that is when we can know the way forward… not to protest. They agreed to our advise so tomorrow today they are supposed to meet the provincial administration to hear their grievances," he said.
Siandenge explained that the police command in the province sought an audience with leaders of the planned protest.
¨They wanted to protest on Mongu Road from Shoprite, but when we called their leaders they all came to the police station. It was quite a big number that came to the police station. But they never protested. I just phoned them.
I have their numbers and then they came together with their youths at the police station. We had a Mr Sinonge and Muyangana Muyangana," he said.
Siandenge said the leaders of the protestors talked to those who wanted to demonstrate.
And Western Province minister John Kufuna allayed fears of insecurity in the area.
Kufuna said the situation in Western Province was peaceful, adding that he was not aware of any protest in the province against President Sata's statement over the Litunga.
"As far as I'm concerned, I did not see any protest in the province. I was at the office from morning up to very late in the afternoon and I did not see or hear anything," he said.
When asked whether he was aware about the Litunga's subjects had planned to match to the provincial offices on Monday (today) as a way of showing their displeasure about President Sata's remarks against their chief, Kufuna said he was not aware.
Labels: DEMONSTRATION, LITUNGA, MICHAEL SATA, MONGU
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Government has no plans to reduce the powers of the Litunga-Sata
TIME PUBLISHED - Wednesday, July 11, 2012, 7:28 pm
Republican President Michael Sata has said that government has no plans to curtail the powers of the paramount Chief Litunga of western Province. Mr. Sata said that there are some opposition leaders in the country spreading rumors that government is working on a piece of legislation that will reduce the powers of The Litunga.
The head of state has indicated that the Litunga is no exception from the other o paramount chiefs in the country and that the government will not waste its time coming up with legislation to target an individual traditional leader.
Mr. Sata has since urged government officials and the newly appointed deputy minister of education Patrick Ngoma in particular to ensure that they explain government policies to the people of Zambia.
The President was speaking at statehouse this morning when he swore in Mr. Ngoma as deputy minister in the ministry of Education.
And Mr. Sata has urged Mr. Ngoma to work with his colleagues in the ministry of education in trying to improve the quality of education especially in the rural areas.
The President has observed the need for the government to also improve access to education in the country adding that government also plans to abolish the basic education system in the country.
Meanwhile, first lady Dr. Christine Kaseba- Sata has donated a Higer Luxury bus to St. Monica’s secondary school of eastern Province.
Handing over the bus at statehouse on behalf of the first lady, President Sata said Dr. Kaseba will also identify other schools in the country that are in need for transport facilities.
QFM
Labels: CHIEFS, LITUNGA, MICHAEL SATA
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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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Subjects are not with the Litunga - Imbwae
By Roy Habaalu in Mongu
Thu 28 July 2011, 14:00 CAT
THE booing of the Litunga by his subjects shows that people are not with him, says Induna Imbwae.
Commenting on the murmuring and booing of the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) Induna who read out President Rupiah Banda’s position on the Barotseland issue during a public meeting at the Litunga’s palace in Limulunga, Induna Imbwae of Ikatulamwa village in Kalabo district, said subjects disagreed with the BRE because they were told things contrary to what they expected.
“It’s unfortunate and it is taboo because when the people start booing where the Litunga is, it’s a terrible indicator to our tradition and it also must be taken seriously because it means people are not with the Litunga or are not with the royal establishment,” said Induna Imbwae in an interview.
He said the royal establishment should call the people and chart the way forward.
“People should know that the Barotseland agreement is not for an individual but for the people of Barotseland as a whole. What is contained in the Agreement are developmental issues which must be addressed,” he said.
“The bribe that I may take as an individual cannot save the masses or the children of Barotseland. That’s why there was mockery of our Litunga in the African Life titled ‘The end of a silly dream’.”
Induna Imbwae appealed to the BRE to handle the Barotseland agreement carefully to avoid embarrassing itself.
Induna Imbwae said BRE must put the interest of the people first other than what he called “self-feeding”.
“During the reign of Litunga Ilute Yeta the Barotse National Council embraced everyone unlike today where it’s only the district Kutas that are being called and termed as Barotse national council.
With due respect, I appeal to our colleagues who are running the royal establishment Lealui, Limulunga to think of what the late IluteYeta did to call all people of Barotseland to discuss this matter,” said Induna Imbwae.
“I want to remind people that when these meetings were called, Ilute Yeta was an MCC in the Kaunda government but he never backed out over this issue which concerned his subjects.Why can’t we emulate the late Litunga?. Why are we failing to call the owners of this issue to come and discuss their future? Other than bringing suspicions within ourselves, it’s my sincere hope that the African Life article will be read before things are destroyed.”
Labels: LITUNGA
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Litunga ready to discuss Barotse Agreement
Wednesday, December 8, 2010, 9:02
Royal Highness the Litunga of the Lozi people Lubosi Imwiko II talk to Vice President George Kunda at the Lealui Palace during the kufuluhela traditional ceremony in MonguTHE Litunga of the Lozi people of Western Province is ready to engage the Government on issues surrounding the Barotse Agreement, provincial Minister Richard Mwapela has said.
Mr Mwapela said in a telephone interview from Mongu yesterday he had met the Litunga who advised the Government and the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) should discuss the matter.
He said the Government should constitute a commission of inquiry that should go round the province to collect views from the people and engage the BRE on the 1964 Barotse Agreement.
“I met the Litunga as provincial minister and he advised we should engage the BRE as Government. “The issue of cessation is out, but Government must constitute a commission of inquiry so that it can go round the province to collect views from the people,” he said.
And Chisamba Member of Parliament (MP) Moses Muteteka has advised his colleagues from Western Province to consult with the Litunga and the BRE in order to resolve the impasse over the Barotse Agreement.
Mr Muteteka said as representatives of the people of Western Province, the MPs should immediately seek audience with the Litunga so that the matter could be resolved.
“Just as a citizen I feel that the MPs from Western Province should immediately seek audience with the Litunga because they are elected representatives of the people of the province,” he said.
Mr Muteteka, who is Local Government and Housing Deputy Minister, said it was unfortunate that Patriotic Front leader Michael Sata was trying to use the agreement to gain political mileage.
He wondered why emotions around the Barotse Agreement were being stirred now, when the matter had long been closed.
Labels: BAROTSELAND AGREEMENT, LITUNGA, RICHARD MWAPELA
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The Litunga needs support
By Editor
Sat 05 Dec. 2009, 04:00 CAT
The various regions or provinces of our country cannot be developed in an arbitrary way, in a firefighting-like manner.
Developing a country and its various regions requires planning and discipline; it requires consistent work guided by a strong vision. It’s easy to dish out a few brown envelopes, some cash to a few individuals here and there and win or secure their praises. But a country and its regions or provinces cannot be developed in that way. For this reason, the people of Western Province should not allow themselves to be deceived by Rupiah Banda that he can do this and that for them simply because they are drawing away from him and he wants them back to vote for him in 2011.
As Patriotic Front chairperson Inonge Wina has correctly observed, Rupiah is not interested in the welfare of the people of Western Province. What he is interested in is their votes in the coming elections. Rupiah is not out to serve the people of Zambia heart and soul. Rupiah does not in all cases proceed from the interests of the people. Rupiah proceeds from self-interest. And in this case, what is driving Rupiah today is the fear and desire to retain power in 2011. Whatever he is doing today is not as a result of devotion to the Zambian people without any thought of self. Rupiah doesn’t have the interests of the people and the sufferings of the great majority at heart. What he has at heart is self-interest.
Today Rupiah can go and promise the people of Western Province things that are not in the budget. Where is he going to get the money from to do all those things? If the Mongu-Kalabo road was important to Rupiah and his government, why didn’t they make adequate provision for it in the budget? If all this was important to them, why treat it as if it is an afterthought? These things are not important to Rupiah. He doesn’t lose sleep over the lack of development and high levels of poverty in Western Province or indeed any part of our country.
What is making Rupiah jump up and down today is simply the reality that things don’t look okay and if they continue this way, he will be out of power in 2011. This is what is bothering Rupiah and making him promise the things that are not in the budget. Yes, it’s easy for him to dish out a few brown envelopes here and there but a country cannot be developed that way. And his political crisis is spreading and deepening. At the rate things are going, we don’t know how many promises of this and that he will have to make across the breadth and width of our country. We say this because Rupiah will need to go to North Western Province and make some new promises after losing Solwezi Central parliamentary by-election. He may have to do the same in Kasama.
There is also a storm brewing in Ndola Rural. In short, there is veritable chaos everywhere in the nation. Even Eastern Province is not firmly under his control and he shouldn’t cheat himself that he owns the people of that province and they will vote for him come what may. The truth is the great majority of our people are starting to see and understand who Rupiah is and what he stands for. They are starting to see through his lies, dishonesty, deceit, manipulation, ineptitude, laziness, lack of capacity to work, extravagance, recklessness and so on and so forth. All these things are not recipes for governing well. Rupiah has sown seeds of confusion and discontent in the nation and he is starting to harvest the fruits of all this.
It is not possible to build a strong and prosperous nation on arrogance, corruption, intolerance and unbridled lack of humility. Rupiah has been arrogant. He has been the most ardent defender of corruption in this country. And the worst form of corruption in this country has been that of Frederick Chiluba. And this is the corruption Rupiah has defended and still defends without respite. Rupiah has not hesitated to tell lies about humble citizens, including those working for him. One can’t run a country successfully on such terms.
And this whole episode should teach our people a lesson in what it means to be self-reliant, to participate in shaping the destiny of their country. As for the Barotse Royal Establishment and the people of Western Province, Rupiah’s behaviour should teach them that their development rests upon their shoulders and no one else. The people of Western Province have to realise that the Litunga and the entire Barotse Royal system depends on their support to maintain integrity, pride and dignity.
Even the strongest, the most prominent of all the Barotse kings, Lewanika himself, his strength came from the people, from their support politically, economically and otherwise. The Barotse Royal Establishment is very big and cannot survive on brown envelopes from Rupiah, cannot be maintained on favours from those in power in Lusaka. A way has to be found to make the Barotse Royal Establishment financially independent and prosperous. There is no reason why such a rich and prestigious royal establishment should be broke, should have no money when it has so much resources at its disposal, including highly educated subjects and members of the royal family.
This lack of respect that the Barotse Royal Establishment and indeed the Litunga himself are today experiencing from the likes of Rupiah and others, including some Barotse royals and subjects, is as a result of the establishment being financially crippled. Today, the people of Western Province have very little to expect from their most prestigious leadership, that is the Barotse Royal Establishment. We sincerely believe that the Barotse Royal Establishment has people with very valuable talents, education and experience to turn things round. We also believe that the Litunga himself is a man with sufficient education, experience and wisdom to lead his people in a different direction and on a route to prosperity.
To make Barotseland rich and strong needs intense effort and a policy of diligence and frugality, relying on their own strength and efforts. Relying on the forces they themselves can organise, they will overcome their problems and see a reversal of fortunes.
Yes, they will need help from the government in Lusaka and from the international community but cannot depend on it totally; they should depend on their own efforts, on the creative power of the Litunga, his Ngambela and indunas, on the creative power of the entire Barotse people.
This is the only way the prestige of the Barotse system can be developed and maintained. They must thoroughly clear away all ideas of getting a better life through good luck, through handouts and brown envelopes from Rupiah, without hard and bitter struggle, without sweat. We know that some people don’t like to think much about difficulties. The options we are advocating are difficult.
It is very easy to sit under the shade and wait for handouts from someone in Lusaka. But difficulties are facts; we must recognise many difficulties as they are and should not adopt a policy of thinking someone will do it for us. We must recognise difficulties, analyse them and combat them. There are no straight roads in the world; we must be prepared to follow a road which twists and turns and not try to get things on the cheap. It must not be imagined that one fine morning, the skies of Barotseland will open up and all that we want will float on the waters of the Barotse flood plains. In a word, while the prospects are bright, the road has twists and turns. There are still many difficulties ahead which we must not overlook. By the Barotse Royal Establishment uniting with the entire people in a common effort, they can certainly overcome all difficulties and see a reversal of fortunes.
This is the only way to maintain the dignity and prestige of the Litunga and the Barotse Royal Establishment. Lewanika, with literally no formal education in the way we know it today, built a country, a nation. His son, Yeta, took over from him and extended his efforts, including the building of the Limulunga Palace that we see today.
We have every good reason to expect the same from Litunga Lubosi Imwiko, the grandson of Lewanika. And in saying this, we are not in any way overlooking the changed circumstances, the immense difficulties that the current Litunga and the entire Barotse Royal Establishment today face under the current political dispensation. And we therefore make a clarion call to all the people of Barotseland and all Zambians of goodwill to give all the support they can – politically, financially and otherwise – to the Litunga so that the dignity and prestige of the Barotse system can be developed and maintained or sustained.
This is the only way we can stop the corrupt politicians – flying around with brown envelopes – from abusing and undermining our people and their traditional leaders.
Labels: LITUNGA
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Litunga was aware of Aka’s claims before Post story, reveals Milupi
By Mwala Kalaluka
Sat 21 Nov. 2009, 04:01 CAT
LUENA Independent member of parliament Charles Milupi yesterday said Akashambatwa Mbikusita-Lewanika’s assertions that the Litunga was behind the MMD’s fallout in Western Province were factually reported and attempts to discredit The Post over the matter are baseless.
Commenting on the issue where the MMD has accused Litunga Imwiko of using chairman for the dissolved MMD provincial executive committee Simasiku Namakando to cause problems for the ruling party in Western Province, Milupi advised the MMD not to attempt to bring the institution of the Litungaship into disrepute.
“We will not take that (MMD denial). We know that you (The Post) are factual on that matter,” Milupi said in an interview.
“Attempts to discredit The Post over this issue are baseless. If they feel injured, why haven’t they gone to court to say we have been misquoted… The BRE (Barotse Royal Establishment) through other sources are aware that those were matters that were really discussed, so attempts to discredit The Post is a futile exercise.”
And sources within the BRE yesterday revealed that Litunga Lubosi Imwiko was well-aware of Akashambatwa’s assertions during an MMD Caucus held in Lusaka last weekend before The Post carried a story from the meeting quoting inside sources.
“I know that the Litunga has said they are aware of the issues that were discussed,” the source said.
And Milupi asked the MMD to immediately apologise to Litunga Imwiko and the BRE Kuta (court) for the shabby manner they were attempting to treat him.
“We are concerned about the issue arising from the two-day seminar the MMD had, especially their reference or their attempt to attribute their problems as a party and government to the Litunga particularly and the BRE in general,” Milupi said.
“Since the Litunga and the Kuta reside in Limulunga, which is in Luena Constituency, as member of parliament for that area I am concerned that the institution of the Litungaship, which is revered in Barotseland is being brought into disrepute.”
Milupi said the Litungaship and the BRE had been in existence centuries before Zambia got independence and before the MMD came into existence.
Milupi said the dissatisfaction over the performance of the MMD was being expressed by many in the country, including chiefs, some of whom have made public statements to that effect.
Milupi said this dissatisfaction stemmed out of the high poverty and unemployment levels and the hopelessness with which the average Zambian was engulfed in.
“The very fact that the MMD was meeting over a period of two days is indicative of the fact that they themselves recognise that they have problems, which they need to address,” Milupi said.
“We do not want to involve ourselves with internal party politics but my understanding of the issue of the dissolution of the MMD provincial leadership in the Western Province arose out of two issues; that of the need for an MMD vice-president to come from the Western Province in view of the support that the then chairman was providing to the candidature of Mr Rupiah Banda for presidency.”
Milupi said the second issue was that of the need to stick to the MMD constitution by holding a convention.
“These were issues that were well-articulated. How then can they link these issues and the general dissatisfaction of the populace to the Litunga and the BRE?” Milupi said.
“The Litunga does not speak openly on subjects such as these. This goes back hundred of years and this is how we have been. We demand that the MMD apologises to His Majesty the Litunga, the BRE and Kuta for the shabby manner in which they are attempting to treat him.”
Milupi said the people of Western Province were aware that previous governments had attempted to diminish the authority of the Litungaship. He said when such a thing happens, the people would rally behind the Litunga.
Milupi said the MMD’s fall out in the province was emanating from President Banda’s statement that he never solicited for a vote from Western Province.
On assertions that Namakando and his clique were campaigning for his newly-formed political party, Milupi wondered why the MMD was being jittery over a party that had not even been launched.
Labels: AKASHAMBATWA MBIKUSITA-LEWANIKA, CHARLES MILUPI, LITUNGA
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Bringing Litunga into disrepute is courting trouble for MMD – Kaingu
By George Chellah, Mwala Kalaluka and Chibaula Silwamba
Fri 20 Nov. 2009, 04:01 CAT
Community development minister Michael Kaingu yesterday warned that MMD members bringing the name of the Litunga into disrepute are courting trouble for the party in Western Province.
And Prince Vivian Mungenda Mubukwanu described the recent attack on the Litunga as another insult to the Lozi people following President Rupiah Banda's earlier insult that he did not solicit for a vote from Western Province.
Commenting on the resolution by the recent MMD caucus, which blamed the Litunga for the ruling party's recent fall-out in the province, Kaingu - who is also MMD Mwandi member of parliament in Western Province - said the Litunga was a highly respected person.
“I want to say that it’s wrong to bring the name of the Litunga into disrepute. We will not accept that. I, for one, Michael Kaingu, will not accept that. I am disappointed with the people bringing the Litunga’s name into politics. Where we come from, the Litunga is very important and respected. He doesn’t speak about politics. If the Litunga wants to speak, he speaks through the Kuta,? Kaingu said. “It’s very disappointing that there are some politicians who are trying to bring the Litunga into politics. I want to support Simasiku Namakando on this one that anybody bringing the name of the Litunga is courting trouble for us in Western Province. It’s unfortunate for anybody to bring the name of the Litunga into disrepute. Namakando is talking about Aka but I don’t know about that. But whoever is trying to bring the name of the Litunga into disrepute is making a mistake. We shall not accept that.”
And Prince Mubukwanu said the statement by the MMD as reported in The Post of November 18, 2009 was extremely sad and could not go without comment.
"The MMD cannot or should not attribute their failures to organise their party or their diminishing popularity in Barotseland to their former provincial chairman Simasiku Namakando or worse still accuse our Kaongolo Ka Nyambe of collaborating with him in this scheme. This is demeaning and a taboo," Prince Mubukwanu said. "The MMD is drowning everywhere one chooses to look in Zambia. What makes it even sad is the fact that the chief architect of this meeting as reported in your paper hails from Barotseland and understands the Lozi systems and culture. Get a ride on any mini bus and listen to what the people are saying about your party MMD."
Mubukwana said all the successive governments had marginalised Barotseland.
"... No doubt about this (late president Mwanawasa did make some attempt to correct this), despite the fact that Barotseland played a key role in the making of the Zambian nation, through some well-known arrangement and agreements which were similar to the Tanganyika and Zanzibar arrangement," Prince Mubukwanu said. "The big question is “what have we gotten out of it in terms of political participation and leadership at the highest level in the Land”. Bu insignificant Prime Minister Kipeto."
Prince Mubukwanu dismissed insinuations being peddled against the Litunga and Namakando.
"The cry by the MMD and blaming their failures on Mr. Namakando and even insinuating that the Litunga, our Kaongolo Ka Nyambe the custodian of our traditions and culture is unfounded, malicious and yet another insult to the intellect and integrity of the Lozi people in general and our Litunga in particular following the earlier insult from the highest office of the Land that he did not solicit a vote from the people of Barotseland," Prince Mubukwanu said. "The cause of the problems and fall out of the MMD in Barotseland is due to their own making and failure to listen, Let alone go back just to say “thank you”. The gentlemen who organised that meeting have not been to Barotseland just to say “thank you”, for the 2008 vote, which the people of Barotseland gave Mr. Rupiah Banda. Is it our Litunga or Namakando who stopped them from doing that? Bana ba Mulimu mbali nja yaitumela.
"As a people we have a right to reject those who reject us - these wise words were once said by one famous Prince who hails from Barotseland in 2006. So what has changed now? Stop being cat kickers. The MMD knows the source or root cause of their problems and fall out not only in Barotseland but the whole of Zambia. MMD please learn to react positively to situations failure to do so, will see you continue kicking that cat till 2011."
Labels: CHIEFS, LITUNGA, MMD, VIVIEN MUNGENDA MUBUKWANU
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Aka is using State House to fight Litunga – Namakando
By George Chellah
Thu 19 Nov. 2009, 04:01 CAT
INSULTING the Litunga and the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) will make the MMD even more unpopular in Western Province, chairman of the dissolved MMD Western province executive committee Simasiku Namakando warned yesterday.
Commenting on the resolution by the recent MMD caucus, which blamed him and the Litunga for the ruling party’s recent fall-out in the province, Namakando accused President Rupiah Banda’s political advisor Akashambatwa Mbikusita-Lewanika of misleading the President on what was happening in the MMD.
“Akashambatwa is using State House to fight the people of Western Province and to fight the Litunga. The Litunga is not involved in politics. In our tradition the Litunga does not campaign, the Litunga does not talk about politics. So involving him in what is happening in the MMD is an insult to the people of Western province. We know that Akashambatwa has been fighting the Litunga from the beginning,” Namakando said. “He wanted to become the Litunga. When he was rejected by the people he kept on fighting the Litunga and fighting the people of Western Province. He should not involve the Litunga. The dissolution of the MMD provincial executive committee in Western Province does not involve the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE). This was a careless move, which was done by some leaders in the MMD.”
Namakando said the people of Western province would not take it kindly for those that were insulting the Litunga and the BRE.
“They are aggravating the situation and making the party even more unpopular. You don’t insult the Litunga and his Kuta. I don’t think there is a politician from Western Province who will support Akashambatwa to attack the Litunga. The President must protect MMD by not allowing disgruntled people like Akashambatwa to destroy the MMD,” he said.
Namakando appealed to Akashambatwa to respect the Litunga.
“Let him not use State House to fight his own Litunga. When the President came for Kuomboka, he didn’t go to Lealui first. He went to see Akashambatwa’s mother first then in the afternoon that’s when he went to Limulunga and yet he was the Litunga’s guest, that’s an insult!
Akashambatwa will make the President unpopular,” Namakando said. “Insulting the Litunga is worsening the situation. Let them talk about Namakando because Namakando is a politician and he will answer back. As a man from Western Province, I will make sure that we fight for the province and protect the BRE. Anybody who involves the Litunga, we will not take that lightly. We will fight him.”
Namakando said blaming the Litunga was total indiscipline for a man who hailed from Western Province.
“If they are failing to develop Western Province, let them not blame anybody. We want development in Western Province. We want our roads tarred and we want the Mongu-Kalabo road done, the bridges here they must find money. We want the Senanga-Sesheke Road done and we want the Shang’ombo Road tarred, that is our argument,” Namakando said.
“When we talk about development we are not fighting the MMD. Akashambatwa is weakening the MMD. He is using State House to weaken the party because he was not given the position, which he wanted of vice-president. If the President is not careful the party will be weakened before he runs away.
The people of Western Province will fight for what is right. There is not even a single project which they are working on now, all these projects where left by the late Mwanawasa…Most of the people in the NEC are in Lusaka but they have failed to organise the party in Lusaka… Sata is running Lusaka and the Copperbelt.
Now Akashambatwa wants to destroy the MMD in Western Province,” Namakando said. “I will keep calling for the convention. He said something about the convention in Solwezi but we want the President to set the dates. I am happy that some of the people who attended this workshop told them that if we don’t go for a convention our party will be unpopular.”
Labels: AKASHAMBATWA MBIKUSITA-LEWANIKA, LITUNGA, MMD, SIMASIKU NAMAKANDO
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Consult Litunga over Saki, Namakando advises Rupiah
Written by George Chellah
Monday, October 19, 2009 7:05:11 AM
CHAIRMAN of the dissolved Western Province MMD executive committee Simasiku Namakando yesterday advised President Rupiah Banda to consult the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) especially the Litunga over his intentions to appoint Sakwiba Sikota as Republican vice-president.
Reacting to President Banda's consideration to replace Vice-President George Kunda with United Liberal Party (ULP) president Sikota with a view to regaining political support in Western Province, Namakando urged President Banda to consult the Litunga - the paramount chief of the Lozi people of Western Province - before making a decision.
“We believe in democracy, when you do a thing because there is heat somewhere, you can sometimes make a lot of mistakes. People of Western Province have been advocating that we need somebody from here. The people of Western Province should be given a choice of their own leadership,” Namakando said.
“But if Mr Rupiah Banda is now considering, if he is now agreeing with us that time has come for him to appoint a Lozi, with consultation with the BRE let him come to the BRE and consult them.”
He urged President Banda to consult ruling party officials in the province as well.
“Yes, because his [initial] position was that the choice he made was the right choice, even in that letter he wrote to me said the choice he made of vice-president was the best. We have been saying we need a Lozi as vice-president now because we have been supporting our friends for over 45 years,” Namakando said.
“Please, we must also be recognised as leaders that people from Western Province can also be vice-presidents. They have to come to Western Province and consult the Litunga as chief here, then consult the political leadership.”
He warned that without consultations, President Banda risked making the same mistake late president Levy Mwanawasa made on Zambia's High Commissioner to Canada Pastor Nevers Mumba.
“You know the problem that we are having is that of imposing opposition leaders to the ruling party to become vice-president. The late president Mwanawasa, may his soul rest in peace, found problems because in the first place, he brought Reverend Nevers Mumba from the opposition. He [Mumba] gave him lots of problems,” Namakando explained. “Secondly, the MMD now have got a problem because they brought Mr Rupiah Banda from UNIP. The man who never even resigned from UNIP to bring him to MMD. For him to know what MMD stands for it becomes very very difficult.
“So we are saying let him consult with the local people especially the traditional leaders, our parents the BRE, the Litunga and his Kuta. Let him go to Mwandi, let him come to the Litunga, then the Litunga will call his people.”
He wondered whether the appointment of Sikota as vice-president would yield its intended results.
“Sakwiba Sikota is ULP, Sakwiba Sikota is not MMD. So I don't know whether that can work to his [President Banda's] interest, whatever he is thinking. Our stance is that let him come and consult the BRE because MMD, whether he is getting one or not we are saying we must go for the convention so that people have their choice,” Namakando said. “That of appointing somebody that's the prerogative of the President. Let him appoint somebody but he must first of all consult the BRE because without consulting, he might make blunders, which the late president made when he appointed Nevers Mumba who gave him problems.”
Namakando emphasised that he had nothing against Sikota.
“I have never had problems with Sakwiba Sikota. Personally, I have nothing against him. Appointing somebody as vice-president that is another issue, going for the convention that is also another issue, democracy must prevail in the MMD,” said Namakando. “We have nothing against Sakwiba Sikota, he [President Banda] must consult the party. He must consult the BRE there is nothing wrong in consulting. Let him come to Western Province and consult.”
President Banda is considering replacing Vice-President Kunda with Sikota with a view to regaining support in Western Province, where there is a fall-out within the ruling party's ranks.
Labels: LITUNGA, RUPIAH BANDA, SAKWIBA SIKOTA, SIMASIKU NAMAKANDO, ULP, WESTERN PROVINCE
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Threat to kill Litunga lands fisherman in jail
By Nyambe Muyumbana in Mongu
Thursday March 20, 2008 [03:00]
MONGU magistrate Margarita Chisonga on Tuesday sentenced a 48-year-old fisherman to two years light imprisonment for threatening to beat up and kill the Litunga. Lubasi Mbangweta of Mbanikelako in Mongu was sentenced after he pleaded guilty to the offence of intent to cause alarm and threatening the Litunga, Edwin Lubosi, with injury.
Facts before court were that on February 21, 2008 at Limulunga royal village, at the palace, Lubasi was heard saying that he would overthrow and kill the Litunga when he goes to Lealui, the capital of the Lozi people.
Mbangweta was further heard saying that after killing him, a new Litunga would be inaugurated.
The matter was reported to the police who arrested Mbangweta and charged him with the above offence.
In mitigation, Mbangweta pleaded for lenience, saying he was asthmatic.
But the prosecutor said Mbangweta was currently serving a one-month sentence for insulting the Litunga.
In passing sentence, magistrate Chisonga said Mbangweta could have considered his illness before committing the offence. She said it was clear that Mbangweta’s actions were deliberate since he committed a similar offence for the second time. She said although she was Tonga, she knew that some of the duties of the Lozi people were to respect the Litunga.
Magistrate Chisonga said the Bible required that people respected their leaders since leadership was given to them by God. She said that if Mbangweta had a problem with the Litunga, he could have sought audience with his indunas (the Litunga’s advisors) rather than resorting to violence.
Meanwhile, some unknown persons in Mongu are distributing a two-leaf paper containing information urging the people of Western Province to shun this year’s Kuomboka ceremony scheduled for April 12, saying that it was a waste of time and money to take part in the celebrations.
Police have confirmed the development although they have not yet instituted investigations because there is no complainant so far.
But acting Ngambela Imasiku Iliamunga, said he was not aware of such a document being circulated in Mongu.
The document, written in Silozi by unknown people and widely distributed in all the streets of Mongu, has accused the Litunga of destroying the Lozi culture by not following traditional norms. It stated, among other issues, that the capital palace for the Litunga was Lealui in the Barotse plains and not Limulunga where the Litunga lives all the time.
The document further explains that Kuomboka Ceremony is the moving out of water in Lealui to Limulunga on the upper land rather than the current situation where the Litunga lives in Limulunga and only went to Lealui using a speedboat on the eve of Kuomboka. The document stated that it is not genuine for the Litunga to say he does not live in the palace in Lealui because it is dilapidated.
The document alleges that Kuomboka ceremony has become meaningless and was only used to fundraise for the Litunga and his indunas. The document is urging people to shun the ceremony and avoid contributing towards the fundraising for the ceremony.
According to well-placed sources, the Office of the President in Mongu is investigating the matter to establish people behind the anonymous document.
According to investigations so far, three GX Land Cruisers were seen distributing the documents in Limulunga royal village last weekend.
Western Province police commanding officer, Vaels Muzwenga, said in an interview that they were aware of the document although they were waiting for an official complaint from the affected party so that investigations can be instituted. And Muzwenga dismissed as false rumours that police officers had been sent to guard the Litunga following the distribution of the documents.
And University of Zambia Mongu resident lecturer Masheke Iliamupu has declined to be part of this year’s Kuomboka Kufuluhela ceremony committee, citing lack of accountability by the Barotse Royal Establishment towards the funds donated for the ceremony.
Iliamupu also said it was unheard of in the Lozi tradition to set a date for Kuomboka a month ahead of the ceremony. He said the concept of Kuomboka ceremony was that people move out of water at a time when they feel they are flooded.
Labels: LITUNGA, MARGARITA CHISONGA
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