Vacate Barotseland, Govt told

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 15:47:51 +0000

The Barotse Youth League has given President Sata and the Zambian government a 21 day ultimatum to vacate Barotseland which they claim to have been occupied illegally.

In a letter to the president dated 7^th September 2012, the league states that the President and his government were occupying the Barotseland illegally contrary to the United Nations Security Council Resolution no 276 (1972).

However, the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) is reportedly not aware of the letter in circulation.

But sources from Limulunga confirmed that the letter was in circulation and that they were waiting for the Zambian government to respond.

“SinceZambiahas been and is still occupyingBarotselandillegally…….. it is well known matter your excellence you have to bear in mind that your country and government shall bear the legal consequences as stipulated in the UN resolution as above.

“Mr President, we remind you that a binding determination made by a competent organ of the UN to the effect that a situation is illegal and cannot remain without consequences.

Zambiabeing responsible for having created and maintained that situation has an obligation to put an end to it and withdraw its administration fromBarotseland.

“By occupying Barotseland without title,Zambiaincurs international responsibility arising from the continuing violation of international obligations.

“It also remains accountable for any violations of the rights of the people of Barotseland, or its obligation under the international law towards other states in respect of the exercise of its powers in relation to theterritoryofBarotseland,” read part of the letter.

The league also notes that the Zambian government knows that the Barotsis also want the Barotse Agreement to be honoured, respected, implemented and entered into force but all the successive governments have been giving many excuses and citing legislative acts.

Government spokesperson Kennedy Sakeni could not be reached for a comment.

The letter was signed by eight member of the league among them Likando Likando, Sikwibela wa Silota and Itwi Derrick.

The document was also copied to UN Secretary General, EU, Commonwealth, African Union, Amnesty International, African Union, SADC and other international bodies.