Barotse impasse needs interaction, wisdom – KK

By CHIMWEMWE MWALE and CLAVER MUTINTA

says the Barotseland impasse between Government and the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) and the Barotse National Council (BNC) requires collective rational interaction and the wisdom of all Zambians.

And United Party for National Development (UPND) President Hakainde Hichilema has called for meaningful dialogue between the BNC and BRE to find a lasting solution over the Barotse question.
The issue of Barotseland has been hotly debated following a resolution by the BNC that Western Province secedes from the rest of Zambia. BNC chairperson Ngambela Clement Sinyinda has since been quizzed by the police over the matter.
Dr Kaunda believes that Zambians have the capacity, will and rationale to achieve a harmonious and peaceful resolution of the matter.
He was reacting to the Sunday Times edition of April 1, 2012 headlined KK willing to help solve Barotse issue.
This is contained in a statement issued in Lusaka by  office of the First President chief of staff Godwin Mfula.

Dr Kaunda said there is also need for genuine consultations among all stakeholders to ensure peace and harmony in the country.
“There is imperative need for a purposeful and peaceful interaction with all the stakeholders relating to the question of the Barotseland Agreement of 1964,” Dr Kaunda’s statement reads.
Dr Kaunda has appealed for “deep reflection, understanding, magnanimity and cooperation” in keeping with the spirit that characterised the resolve and determination of the country’s founding leaders.
“Dr Kaunda feels that in the quest and resolution to achieve national unity, harmony and cohesion, the founding fathers exhibited a rare sense of nationalism and patriotism to the common cause for the attainment of our cherished goal of One Zambia, One Nation.

“Indeed as reflected in our national anthem, the forefathers were inspired by a deep sense of unity and patriotism to our land, hence one land and one nation was their cry,” the statement reads.
And Mr Hichilema said it is the responsibility of the BNC and BRE to engage in dialogue with government in a more meaningful manner, to address the Barotse impasse.
Speaking on Muvi Television’s Sunday evening The Assignment programme, Mr Hichilema said the Patriotic Front government has an obligation to provide a platform for dialogue to resolve the matter.
The UPND leader also demanded that Dr Kaunda should make a clarification on the matter as he was one of the signatories to the Barotseland Agreement of 1964.
He alleged that the Kaunda government had put aside the serious obligation of honouring the Barotse Agreement, adding that it was a matter of necessity for Dr Kaunda should help out on the issue.

“The Kaunda government walked away from the serious obligation, no doubt about it,” he said.
Mr Hichilema said given an opportunity, he would like to take part in finding a solution to the standoff, adding that the PF erred to go back on its word to resolve the Barotseland Agreement.
On devolution of power, the UPND leader said this will help to strengthen governance.
“We have to keep the country stronger and together…Devolution of power will re-unify this country even more, if structures are managed properly,” he said.
He also said his party was committed to supporting the fight against corruption, as seen in Parliament where UPND members of Parliament supported the re-introduction of the abuse of office of authority clause.
Mr Hichilema also denied allegations that some of his party members celebrated speculation that President |Sata was ill and receiving treatment in India.
He described these allegations as uncouth and uncivilised.|
Meanwhile, former Senanga Central member of Parliament William Harrington said the offer by Dr Kaunda to assist in resolving the impasse over the Barotse would avail the nation an opportunity to be well informed about the background to the agreement and subsequent abrogation.
Mr Harrington said in a statement issued yesterday that Dr Kaunda was well placed to clear the air over these matters so that people were better enlightened to appreciate the recent happenings in the Western Province.He, however, said Dr Kaunda should have testified before the Rodger Chongwe Commission of inquiry, adding that the nation would have benefitted from the background to the Agreement and the circumstances that led to non-implementation.
“In welcoming Dr Kaunda’s gesture however, it is a great pity that he had to wait up this stage…We are given to understand that all this was done unilaterally, that is, without consultation with the other parties to the agreement,” he said.

Caption: First Former Zambian President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda

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