BAROTSELAND

by Ilutwa Makena

• Forever living - the infinity, the phoenix.
• Yesterday, today and tomorrow.
• As Europeans scrambled for Africa
• You subdued not to pressure of colonialism.
• Instead, the British tribe became your co-rulers - Babusisi.
• Europeans and Mambali (Arab) slave traders feasted on your people
• Mulambwa refused 'go and buy dogs' he said.
• On account of disunity, Makololo invaders temporarily conquered you.
• Sipopa and Njekwa shook them off and restored your pride.
• Amid the Makololo confusion, the Mambali found their way back in Barotseland
• When the mightily Lewanika came to power he banned them once and for all.
• In the west the Portuguese were clipping in,
• In the south the Germany were showing their ugly noses,
• In the North-East the Belgiums pushed your country to a waist tight.
• Lewanika, through military and diplomatic maneuvers stood his ground.
• The British South Africa company (BSA CO) wanted to out manoeuvre you, but
• At Yeta's behest, you showed them the way in 1924.
• Fatherland, for 60 years, you co-ruled Northern Rhodesia with the mighty British Empire.
• But, the wind of change that swept Africa through African Nationalism throw some dust in your eyes in 1964. Did you become blind?
• 'No', Barotseland answered. 'I did put on the Barotseland Agreement 1964 Spectacles.'
• But why are still in bondage? I asked him. Barotseland responded "the chains of bondage still hang around my cuffs 'out of self-infliction than externally induced.'"
• I told Barotseland that I did not know what he meant.
• He responded "Yes, others have sought to annihilate your existence my children, but you too have failed to utilize opportunities that would have seen you take a different route to this one where you are makoba mwa lifasi lamina." He concluded "But weep not child. I am a nation that refused to die."
• "If God be for us, who can be against us?".