
Government has welcomed the decision by the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) to drop secession calls and engage in dialogue on issues surrounding the Barotseland Agreement of 1964.
Home Affairs Minister, Kennedy Sakeni says the development is a big relief not only to government but to all peace loving Zambians.
Mr. Sakeni told ZANIS in a telephone interview in Lusaka today that government is happy with the development and commended the BRE for taking the stance.
He said the stance has been taken in the spirit of reconciliation and give and take which he said will promote peace and co-existence.
Mr. Sakeni noted that being confrontation would have resulted in the breakdown of communication between the two parties adding that this would have also led to lawlessness in the country.
The Minister has also commended the Ngambela, Clement Sinyinda, who he said is a good politician interested in peace.
Mr. Sakeni has since called for the use of dialogue in resolving contentious issues which he said will help in maintaining peace in the country.
He said it is the duty of all Zambians to help maintain the peace and stability the country has enjoyed since independence and promote co-existence.
Mr. Sakeni’s comment follows news that the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) has with immediate effect stopped any agitation for secession and has instead opted for dialogue with the Government in the interest of peace and national unity.
Ngambela Sinyinda is quoted to have said that the nation should brace for a “shocking” amicable settlement to the impasse that was created after the declaration of Western Province as an independent State last week.
The Barotse National Council (BNC) last week in Limulunga resolved that Western Province should secede from the rest of Zambia.
ZANIS