Barotseland Agreement of 1964
| Agreement between the Government of Northern Rhodesia and the Litunga of Barotseland | |
|---|---|
| Type | Political agreement |
| Context | Framework defining the relationship between Barotseland and the soon-to-be independent Republic of Zambia |
| Date signed | 18 May 1964 |
| Location signed | London, United Kingdom |
| Date effective | 24 October 1964 |
| Condition effective | Independence of Northern Rhodesia as the Republic of Zambia |
| Signatories | * Kenneth Kaunda (Prime Minister of Northern Rhodesia)
|
| Parties | Barotseland and the Government of Northern Rhodesia |
| Languages | English |
| Expiry / Abrogation | Unilaterally abrogated by the Zambian Government in October 1969 |
| Legal citation | Constitutional (Amendment) Act No. 35 of 1969 |
The Barotseland Agreement of 1964 was a political accord signed in London on 18 May 1964 between the Government of Northern Rhodesia, represented by Prime Minister Kenneth Kaunda; the Litunga (King) of Barotseland, Sir Mwanawina Lewanika III; and the British Government, represented by Duncan Sandys.
The agreement sought to define the relationship between Barotseland and the soon-to-be independent Republic of Zambia, guaranteeing Barotseland’s internal autonomy within the new state. It came into effect on 24 October 1964, when Northern Rhodesia achieved independence and became the Republic of Zambia.
Background
Barotseland, a pre-colonial Lozi kingdom situated in the upper Zambezi region, entered into treaties with the British South Africa Company in the late 19th century and later became a British protectorate. Under colonial administration, it retained a measure of self-rule through the Barotse Native Government and the authority of the Litunga.
As independence drew near, Barotseland’s leaders sought assurances that their traditional structures and governance systems would be respected within the new national framework. Negotiations held in London in 1964 produced the Barotseland Agreement.
Provisions of the Agreement
The Agreement granted Barotseland significant internal self-governance and recognised the Litunga as the principal authority in the region. Key provisions included:
- The Litunga of Barotseland retained control over the local administration and governance of Barotseland.
- The Litunga and his Council could make laws concerning land, natural resources, taxation, and customary law.
- Barotseland maintained authority over its own land and local institutions.
- The Constitution of Zambia would contain provisions ensuring respect for human rights, the judiciary, and Barotseland’s unique status.
Implementation and Abrogation
Although the Barotseland Agreement came into force on 24 October 1964, its provisions were gradually weakened by subsequent legislative changes introduced by the Zambian government.
Key Legislative Events
| Event | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| The Barotseland Agreement | 18 May 1964 | Signed in London by Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda, Sir Mwanawina Lewanika III, and Duncan Sandys. It promised Barotseland internal self-governance and control over its land, natural resources, and local government. |
| Zambian Independence | 24 October 1964 | Northern Rhodesia, including Barotseland, became the independent Republic of Zambia. The Agreement officially came into force on this date. |
| Local Government Act (LGA) | 1965 | The Act replaced the Barotse Native Government with a uniform local government system, significantly reducing the Litunga’s administrative authority. |
| Constitutional (Amendment) Act No. 5 | 17 June 1969 | A national referendum allowed Parliament to amend clauses protecting fundamental rights and the Barotseland Agreement without a new referendum. |
| Constitutional (Amendment) Act No. 35 | October 1969 | This Act officially annulled and abrogated the Barotseland Agreement of 1964, integrating Barotseland fully into Zambia’s centralised system of governance. |
Aftermath
Following the abrogation in 1969, Barotseland’s special status was abolished. The area was renamed Western Province and placed under the same administrative structure as other Zambian provinces.
This action was met with discontent among sections of the Lozi population, who considered it a breach of trust and a violation of the 1964 Agreement. While successive Zambian governments viewed the Agreement as null and void, many traditional leaders and civic organisations in Western Province have continued to call for its restoration or recognition.
Controversy and Modern Movements
The question of Barotseland’s status remains one of Zambia’s most enduring and sensitive constitutional issues.
In the 1990s and 2000s, calls for the restoration of the Barotseland Agreement intensified. Groups such as the Barotse National Freedom Alliance (BNFA), Linyungandambo, and the Barotse National Council (BNC) emerged to advocate for the recognition of Barotseland’s autonomy or, in some cases, for outright independence.
2012 Barotse National Council Resolutions
In March 2012, the Barotse National Council met in Mongu and resolved that Barotseland should consider itself “separated from Zambia” due to the Zambian government’s unilateral abrogation of the 1964 Agreement. However, the Zambian state has not recognised these resolutions and continues to regard Barotseland as an integral part of the Republic of Zambia.
Government Response
Successive administrations have maintained that the Barotseland Agreement was lawfully revoked through constitutional processes. The issue has occasionally resurfaced in national politics, with several leaders promising dialogue but stopping short of reinstating the Agreement.
Incidents related to Barotseland activism have, at times, led to arrests and legal actions against activists and traditional figures accused of attempting to undermine national unity. Nonetheless, calls for peaceful dialogue and constitutional recognition continue among some civic groups.
Legacy
The Barotseland Agreement of 1964 remains a defining chapter in Zambia’s constitutional history. For many, it symbolizes unfulfilled promises of decentralised governance and respect for regional identity. For others, its abrogation was a necessary step toward national unity and territorial integrity.
The debate continues to influence political discourse, legal scholarship, and discussions on federalism, devolution, and traditional authority in Zambia.
See also
References
- Republic of Zambia, Constitutional (Amendment) Act No. 35 of 1969.
- Barotseland Agreement, 1964 (Public Record Office, London).
- Caplan, G. (1970). The Elites of Barotseland 1878–1969. C. Hurst & Company.
- Mainga Bull, M. (1973). Bulozi under the Luyana Kings: Political Evolution and State Formation in Pre-Colonial Zambia. Longman.
- Times of Zambia archives, 1964–1969.
- Barotse National Council Resolutions, Mongu, 2012.
- Zambia Reports & The Post (2011–2013). Coverage on Barotseland activism.
