The peoples of Barotseland petition Barotse government over Zambian government's continued undermining of the nation and self-governance of Barotseland

PETITION FROM THE PEOPLES OF THE KINGDOM OF BAROTSELAND

TO NAMUSO (BAROTSELAND GOVERNMENT)

OVER THE CONTINUED UNDERMINING OF THE NATION AND SELF-GOVERNANCE OF BAROTSELAND BY THE ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT

1. We the peoples of Barotseland in our diversity today, March 26, 2015, have in our possession evidence to the effect that present Namuso Indunas are working hand-in-hand with the occupying Zambian regime to continue suppressing the Kingdom of Barotseland statehood and self-rule as reflected by the letter from the Provincial Chiefs and Traditional Affairs officer, Mr. Edson Nachimwenda, dated November 17, 2014 herewith attached. 2. In contrast, in the past Namuso had strongly stood for and worked for the peoples of Barotseland as regards safe guarding their rights to self-determination. This is reflected in the minutes of the meeting between senior Namuso Indunas and the then Zambia Minister of state responsible for Barotseland Hon. Fine Liboma MP sitting together with Hon. Josephat A. Siyomunji MP dated October 3, 1969 held in the Conference Hall in Mongu, herewith attached. 3. It is clear from (1) above that suppressive activities by occupying Zambian government agents are massive and not only limited to the Provincial Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Department but permeates through to all heads of government departments, parastatal organizations and security wings operating in Barotseland and beyond from way back in 1964. 4. In view of the above, we demand Namuso to immediately: a) name and dismiss all Indunas working with the occupying Zambia government as stated by Mr. Nachimwenda; b) remove all Indunas not in support of the March 27, 2012 Barotse National Council Resolutions; c) pressure the occupying Zambia government to remove and replace all heads of government departments, parastatal organizations and security wings in Barotseland by Barotse Nationals who are better qualified, experienced and speak the local language; and d) prove to the people of Barotseland that the assertion by Mr. Nachimwenda that the Litunga has been stripped of his powers are misplaced and clearly state their position on this. 5. Whereof we, the peoples of Barotseland, hereunder append our signatures to this Petition.

SIGNED

cc. the Litunga of the Kingdom of Barotseland