The Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) has called on government to suspend the new regulation to illegalise the possession of ivory bangles.
At a press briefing at the Kuta in Limulunga today, BRE Prime Minister, Ngambela Mukela Manyando, said the new regulation does not augur well with the Lozi culture and traditions.
In a statement read on his behalf by Acting Ngambela, Mowa Zambwe, the Ngambela Manyando charged that arresting or demanding licenses is grossly unfair and against tradition and customs.
The Ngambela said from time immemorial the people of Barotseland have always worn ivory bangles which has become a vital part of their Identity and Lozi cultural attire.
He noted that bangles were just like the wearing of animal skins and other cultural practices are different to people in other parts of the country.
“All ethnic groups in Zambia have their peculiar customs and traditions that identify them from each other and the Lozi people are not an exception,” he said.
During the just ended Western Province expo for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) stated that after the given grace period, anyone possessing an ivory bangle will be required to have a license or will be liable for five years imprisonment.
On the other hand, the Ngambela Manyando advised government to put in place laws and regulations that preserve traditional practices for posterity.
He added that the people of Barotseland are conservationists by nature, thus the creation of Liuwa Plains National park.
“They are therefore not interested in the wanton slaughter of wildlife and trafficking of ivory bangles. In fact, the elephant itself is a highly respected and recognised symbol of our royalty and kingship,” he said.
The Ngambela further called on government to engage the BRE to resolve the issue because it is a matter of urgency.
The Barotse Royal Establishment’s argument is flawed I mean if you respect the Elephants or wildlife why wear the ivory bangles? You leave no room for compromise…where do you get these selfsame products 20 years ago the argument was that they were passed on from generation to generation? Elephant populations across the continent are a third of what they were 30 years ago …how does lifting the ban help matters?
You are wrong sir. According to UNEP, the elephant population in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana, Namibia has increased from 2014 to the extent of these creatures being a menace. The unfortunate part is that CITES doesnt want to listen to the Southern African countries’ request for culling.
Chongololo – When did any organisation or any of those mentioned countries do an actually physical headcount of elephants …its only all guessing and estimates …Botswana is the only country that has a thrieving elephant population in fact even over population because they have invested heavily in anti poaching measures and conservation to the point where they deploy helicopters when poachers are sighted…look what happened to Mukula ban when it was partially lifted thousands of tonnes left through the front door by under weight figures with the Lands Minister corruptly signing for it. Today every forest has been ransacked …go to rural areas drive at night you will see trucks loaded with the logs.
Thats the problem with copying Western values and imposing them on Africans. “anyone possessing an ivory bangle will be required to have a license or will be liable for five years imprisonment.” Endani uko! Why do you want to imprison me for being African? Ine here Iam with the Lozi and I am with my culture because Iam from Luangwa valley and Ivory has been a part of our adornments and just because it is banned in Europe doesnt mean it should be banned in Zambia. Who legislates such enslavement laws even 58 years after independence?
LT why have you reposted the story?
Absurd! I think we should pause and think again. You can’t, & should not agree to impositions that seek to obliterate your customs & culture. Ivory, as a byproduct of an animal wide-spread in Zambia, & eaten by most indigenous people, has always been worn by certain tribes; & rightly so, as others would wear shoes & handbags made of hides from ostrich or other animals roaming in their land! I think it’s wrong to ‘guilt trip’ ordinary folk into giving up wearing ivory bangles because of poaching crimes orchestrated by foreigners. Worth noting, before Europeans arrived..along with their habits of killing for sport, Africa teamed with wildlife in millions! Our people were masters of conservation – and still are. We have wildlife to talk of today, because of our conservation methods…
Cont.,
of only killing what we will eat, or to protect human life. So, we shouldn’t allow those that cleared their own forests of all wildlife, to tell us how we must conserve ours.
Why don’t you concentrate on developing your areas instead of walking in the sand and discussing trivial matters. Will those things feed you? Shame
Ivory bungles is part of value additions from local resources. If the harvesting is controlled and managed why stop it. It is value additions which the new dawn talks about. Essentially, we need more innovations around that to create jobs. Licensed companies should make the ivory bungles.
it shall be granted