Abstract
This paper explores the idea that poor governance explains the rise of separatist nationalism in situations such as Zambia, Eritrea, Sudan and Somalia (in Africa) that had previously been independently governed during the colonial times, but later joined other states at independence to enjoy normal politics, but later degenerated into violent separatist nationalism. Our argument is that centralisation of power in an environment in which cultural groups are calling for regional autonomy, for even development, and for the international community to intervene on the side of peace, create grounds that explain the rise of violent separatist movements. The Barotseland Protectorate negotiated for autonomous development and, after securing constitutional guarantees in its favour, voluntarily joined Zambia in what was expected to be a one nation, two states system. After four decades of resisting constitutional amendments in favour of the centralisation of power, the Barotse of Zambia abandoned the politics of autonomous development and started calling for a separate state. Their resolve to remain peaceful is not aided by the international community that is reluctant to intervene, exposing the political process to radicals who consider violence as an alternative. The paper argues that violent separatist politics is preventable.
Highlights
This paper explores the idea that poor governance explains the rise of separatist nationalism in situations such as Zambia, Eritrea, Sudan and Somalia that had previously been independently governed during the colonial times, but later joined other states at independence to enjoy normal politics, but later degenerated into violent separatist nationalism
Our argument is that centralisation of power in an environment in which cultural groups are calling for regional autonomy, for even development, and for the international community to intervene on the side of peace, create grounds that explain the rise of violent separatist movements
How does violent separatist nationalism arise from normal politics? Can it be prevented? How can the international community help to avert political violence that separatists are likely to unleash? This essay attempts to answer these questions through an analysis of the rise of the Barotse nationalism in Zambia
Summary
How does violent separatist nationalism arise from normal politics? Can it be prevented? How can the international community help to avert political violence that separatists are likely to unleash? This essay attempts to answer these questions through an analysis of the rise of the Barotse nationalism in Zambia. According to the Barotseland Agreement 1964, the territory known as Barotseland Protectorate, which had been governed as a separate British protectorate and had not developed politically, entered into a political union with Northern Rhodesia, to form the united Republic of Zambia in 1964. It is very clear from these two provisions that the Barotse traditional institutions were to be preserved and regarded as the main authority in that territory. The Barotseland Agreement 1964 sought to preserve the Barotseland monarchy while uniting it with republican Northern Rhodesia
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