Lungu, BRE discuss Barotse Agreement restoration

Lungu, his Justice Minister and Representatives of the BRE

President Edgar Lungu has met representatives of the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) to discuss the process towards the restoration of the Barotse Agreement of 1964.

The President’s Press Aide Amos Chanda has confirmed the meeting which took place on Saturday (today) at State House.

Chanda says during a consultative meeting, President Lungu said the 1964 Barotse Agreement must be considered in the light of the current constitution and circumstances that have prevailed over time. He says the BRE tendered an implementation plan for consideration by the government and expressed their gratitude at the President’s sincerity over the matter.

He says 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.

Chanda says Government also undertook to release the Chongwe Commission of Inquiry Report on the 2011 disturbances in Western Province.

“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,” the Head of State said.

The 9-member BRE delegation was led by the acting Ngambela Induna Mukulwakashiko while the President was accompanied by Justice Minister Dr. Ngosa Simbyakula, Home Affairs Minister Mr. Davis Mwila, Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Minister Dr. Joseph Katema, Local Government and Housing Minister Mr. Stephen Kampyongo and Western Province Minister Mr. Puniso Njeulu and several technocrats.