ZAMBEZI, Zambia – Historical tensions between the Lunda and Luvale ethnic groups have once again flared up, causing unrest in Zambezi District, situated in the North Western province. The conflict dates back to pre-independence times, when the colonial government was forced to declare a State of Emergency in the Chavuma region due to escalating tribal clashes between the Lunda and Luvale communities.
The recent outbreak of violence has prompted police intervention in Zambezi District, where reports of destruction to property and injuries to individuals have emerged. According to local law enforcement, they have recorded 25 separate cases linked to the conflict, encompassing offenses such as Assault, Malicious Damage to Property, Arson, and Unlawful Wounding.
Two of the injured victims are currently receiving medical treatment at Zambezi District Hospital, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
As of now, no arrests have been made, as investigations into the incidents continue. To address the escalating tensions, the Inspector General of Police has taken action by dispatching paramilitary officers to the district. Their presence is intended to reinforce local law enforcement efforts and ensure the maintenance of law and order in the area.
Despite the underlying tensions, the situation in Zambezi District is currently reported to be calm, with police intensifying their patrols to deter further violence. However, the ongoing conflict between the Lunda and Luvale people remains a significant concern, and efforts will be made to resolve the root causes and prevent future outbreaks of violence.
This is where Colonel Katambi should be expending his efforts. The people who started this problem are long dead so why should their great great grand children who have gained better education continue with such barbarian acts.
I have met members of both tribes and tried to discuss this problem. In Zambezi, the dispute is about whose ancestors arrived in the area earlier and therefore should be the presumed “owner” of the place and who’s the presumed John-come-lately. Both tribes have their own areas of prevalence and chiefs but settlement patterns are not permanent and over time people can and do move. After all there’s such a thing as Zambia whose constitution guarantees freedom of movement. Lundas and Luvales do not really hate each other. The problem is one of language chauvinism and not tribalism. Unfortunately in Zambia the two are often confused and will continue to be confused.
These luvale can be problematic. I know this because I divorced a luvalian many years ago
You have no idea why I said that. Until you experience an entire family of luvales bullying and abusing you after a divorce, you won’t understand. I had to get restraining orders against her entire family. I wish you good luck
They tried to keep me quiet on LT but am back
Hey my wife is Luvale and I have had no problems in my house for 12 years. Stop tribalising issues
I said they can be problematic. Unless you are telling me that all luvale people do not cause problems?
You say “These luvale can be problematic” insinuating others outside the Luvale tribe cant be problematic. But every person is an individual so even a Kaonde, a Bemba, a Lozi, a Tonga a Ngoni can be problematic depending on her circumstances.
You have no idea why I said that. Until you experience an entire family of luvales bullying and abusing you after a divorce, you won’t understand. I had to get restraining orders against her entire family. I wish you good luck. I am just glad I got custody of my beautiful kids
This is going too far.
We must relocate Some Soli, some Tonga, some Illa, some Lenge to Zambezi District.
Good idea
Just get the land they fight over and make it state land
It was , it is and still be there if peace resolution measures are not put in place.
Martin Loloji, since you’re Luvale I expected suggestions from you on how violence can be avoided between Lundas and Luvales. Kenneth Kaunda’s government thought that a mere name-change from Balovale to Zambezi district would help but it clearly has not. The problem to me is not one of hatred but that of which language should be used as a medium of instruction in Zambezi district. The Canadian government ensures that both French and English appear in all public documents and road signage. Bilingualism should be tried in Zambezi district. Canadian federal prime minister Martin Trudaul is fluent in both French and English. In the past, English and French speakers in Canada used treat each other the way Lundas and Luvales are doing now.
It was baluvale long time ago who changed it to be Zambezi
The only solution is the formation of 2 districts. East Bank should be a new district and west Bank should be a separate district.