Barotseland, known in the Lozi language as Mubuso Bulozi, is a region located between Namibia, Angola, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, encompassing parts of northwestern, southern, Lusaka, Central, and Copperbelt provinces of Zambia, as well as the Katanga Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is the homeland of the Lozi people, also called Barotse or Malozi, a group that unified over 46 previously distinct tribes, including the Luyi (Maluyi) and the assimilated Makololo tribe.
The region’s language, siLozi, is closely related to Sesotho. Barotseland spans approximately 252,386 square kilometers and was historically twice as large at some points. In pre-colonial times, it was a significant kingdom that extended its influence into Namibia, Angola, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and neighboring regions of Zambia.
Historically, Barotseland was a British protectorate under the rule of the Litunga, the traditional king of the Lozi people. Agreements with the British South African Company (BSAC) and later the British government allowed Barotseland to maintain significant autonomy while granting mining rights to the BSAC. The Barotseland Agreement of 1964, signed between the Litunga and Kenneth Kaunda, Zambia’s first president, defined its autonomy within the newly independent Zambia.
However, subsequent actions by Zambia’s government undermined the provisions of the agreement, leading to longstanding tensions between the central government and the Lozi people. The agreement’s unilateral abrogation in 1969, coupled with perceived neglect, fueled calls for greater autonomy or independence. In recent years, traditional leaders and advocacy groups have reignited these calls, claiming violations of the agreement.
Despite these challenges, Barotseland remains a region of rich cultural heritage and historical significance, with unique traditions preserved through the continued leadership of the Litunga and the region’s traditional governance structures.
