MONGU - National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) presidential candidate Brian Mundubile has pledged to engage in genuine dialogue with the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) on the 1964 Barotseland Agreement if elected President in next week's general election.
Speaking at Limulunga Palace in Mongu, Western Province, where he met the Kuta and traditional leaders, Mr. Mundubile said the long-standing Barotseland question continues to affect national unity and remains an important issue for the country.
He said his administration would engage the Barotse Royal Establishment within a mutually agreed framework aimed at resolving the matter with dignity and fairness, guided by the principle of "One Zambia, One Nation."
Mr. Mundubile also pledged to decriminalize public discussion of the 1964 Barotseland Agreement, saying no citizen should be arrested solely for discussing the issue.
He further expressed concern that Western Province has consistently recorded high poverty levels and low development, which he attributed to years of marginalization and underinvestment by successive governments.
According to Mr. Mundubile, an NRPUP government would implement a dedicated Marshall Plan for Western Province, developed in consultation with the Barotse Royal Establishment, religious leaders, civil society and relevant government institutions.
Meanwhile, Ngambela Mukela Manyando, speaking on behalf of the Barotse Royal Establishment, welcomed Mr. Mundubile's commitment to dialogue on the 1964 Barotseland Agreement.
The Ngambela said misunderstandings surrounding the agreement have contributed to unnecessary tensions within the region and across the country.
Source: Phoenix News | By: Patricia Mbewe