LITUNGA SPEAKS OUT: BAROTSELAND REJECTS POLITICAL VIOLENCE!
By Elias Kamanga
The Litunga, through the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) and Ngambela Mukela Manyando, has delivered a strong condemnation of the violence that accompanied the NRPUP Presidential Candidate Brian Mundubile’s campaign in Western Province.
The BRE has made it clear that the chaos witnessed in Mongu, Kalabo and other districts, including the disruption of a duly sanctioned political rally, the firing of teargas into crowds by the Zambia Police, and the pursuit of Presidential Candidate Brian Mundubile, is completely alien to the values of Barotseland.
Barotseland has always stood for peace, unity, tolerance, hospitality and respect for every Zambian, regardless of political affiliation. Those who choose violence, intimidation and the abuse of State power to silence political opponents betray these cherished values and bring shame upon our nation.
No citizen should be attacked for exercising their constitutional right to assemble, campaign or support a political party of their choice. Democracy cannot flourish where fear and violence are allowed to replace dialogue and tolerance.
The message from the Litunga is clear: Barotseland must never become a theatre of political violence.
The peace and dignity of the people of Western Province must be protected, and all political actors and State institutions must uphold the rule of law, political tolerance and the constitutional rights of every Zambian.