Government says it cannot interfere in succession wrangles which erupt in traditional leadership in accordance with the Republican constitution.
Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Lawrence Sichalwe explains that article 165 of the constitution restricts government from settling disputes which may arise in traditional rule.
ZANIS reports that the Minister however, stated that government had made a submission to Ministry of Justice on how best article 165 can amended.
The minister said this after the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) implored government to intervene in the succession disputes which have characterized recent installation ceremonies in the Province.
He said it was vital for people not to misinterpret the law regarding Chiefs’ affairs in the country adding that only the law enshrined in the constitution can be observed.
Addressing the Minister and his delegation led by Limulunga District Commissioner Litambo Ndombo, Induna Mukulwakashiko asked government to come in and resolve conflicts in traditional affairs adding that government would resolve the misunderstandings amicably.
Induna Mukulwakashiko said recently the BRE installed Nyumbu Kashengula as Mwenechengela of the Mbunda’s of Mushuwa area after the former Chief Josia Nyumbu was dethroned for allegedly disrespecting the Litunga Lubosi Imwiko the II of Barotseland and committing misdeeds.
He also noted that it was appalling that the former Chief who was Mwenechengela from 2007 until 2015 was still on government allowance and flying the national flag thus the need to address the current status.
Similarly, Induna Mukulwakashiko said there were wrangles associated with the installation of Chief Edward Kahare of the Litoya Royal Establishment of Njonjolo area in Kaoma district as well as Mwene Mutondo thus calling on government to illustrate a road map on addressing the issues.
And speaking earlier, Mr Sichalwe who is in the province to witness the welcoming ceremony of Mukiti Sekeli in Sioma district as as Senior Chief Lukama of Shangombo and Sioma district.
Meanwhile, the Minister assured the BRE that government would give a feedback on wrangles surrounding Chief Chengela.
These Lozis are a disappointment. Tomorrow they will say they are not part of Zambia.
hahaha true
How can succession issues in chiefdoms be a matter for the Constitution? Does the minister know what he is talking about, assuming of course that LT have quoted him correctly? My goodness me!
Lawrence Sichalwe this is another useless empty tin minister with nothing to do …this guy is always there to see off Lazy Lungu at the airport!!
As useress and empty as you and HH.
The cause for most of these wrangles is a lack of recorded historical accounts of royal lineage. We cannot any longer rely on oral traditions to elect our chiefs. Government can best intervene by funding research to establish authentic genealogical trees by tribe
@Awesu. I agree with you on the need for research. I have a different view from yours on what you term as a lack of recorded historical accounts of royal lineage. That is usually not the cause because the lineages are known. That they are not written but oral is hardly the cause. If you follow the above story to its core, you may unearth other issues not lack of knowledge of lineage.