The Barotse Agreement must be considered in the light of the current constitution, says President Lungu

PRESIDENT Lungu says the 1964 Barotse Agreement must be considered in the light of the current constitution and circumstances that haveprevailed over time.

Speaking during a consultative meeting held at State House last weekend, President Lungu said this when he met representatives of the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) to discuss the process towards the restoration of the Barotse Agreement of 1964.

The BRE tendered an implementation plan for consideration by the government and expressed their gratitude at the President’s sincerity over the matter.

The two parties agreed that the negotiations on the Barotse Agreement must take place in good faith away from politics so that the process is not marred by the political tensions of the current election campaigns.

This is contained in a statement released by special assistant to the president for press and public relations Amos Chanda.
“I do not want to make unrealistic pronouncements for political expedience taking advantage of the current on-going electioneering. I want this process to take its full course after next month’s elections,” Mr Lungu said.

Government also undertook to release the Chongwe Commission of Inquiry Report on the 2011 disturbances in Western Province.
The 9-member BRE delegation was led by the acting Ngambela Induna Mukulwakashiko.

The President was accompanied by Minister of Justice Ngosa Simbyakula, Minister of Home Affairs Davies Mwila and Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Joseph Katema. Others who were present include Minister of Local Government and Housing Stephen Kampyongo, Western Province Minister Puniso Njeulu and several technocrats.