Zambesia has been a member of the UNPO since 2020.

The Zambesi people, a distinct and diverse ethnic group, inhabit regions across Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia. Despite their rich cultural heritage and historical ties to the land between the Kalahari Desert and the Zambezi River, the Zambesi people find themselves fragmented and unrecognized as a distinct nation. Their struggle for self-determination is a quest for the acknowledgment of their unique identity, rights, and the preservation of their culture and traditions in the face of political marginalization. The lack of official recognition as an indigenous people has led to their underrepresentation in political processes and the erosion of their cultural and economic rights. Respecting the right to self-determination for the Zambesi people is crucial, not only to correct historical injustices but also to ensure their future survival and development as a distinct cultural entity.

The region faces significant challenges in achieving political and cultural recognition due to the overarching control exerted by the Mozambican government. The Mozambican government’s policies contribute to the marginalization of Zambesian cultural practices and restrict local political representation. 

The UNPO secretariat works for the rights of the people of Zambesia as a whole and might work with different civil society organizations, groups and representatives from Zambesia. However, the main organization representing the rights of people of Zambesia within the UNPO membership and with voting rights at the General Assembly is the Movement for the Survival of the River Races of Zambesia. Zambesia was elected member of the presidency in the XIX 2024 General Assembly. You can read more about Zambesia here.

The Zambesi people are known for their unique cultural practices, particularly their vibrant dances and traditional foods that are deeply connected to their riverine environment. Living along the rivers such as the Zambezi, Kwando, Linyanti, and Chobe, they are often referred to as the “River Races.” Despite their dispersion across multiple countries, they share a common cultural identity rooted in their relationship with the land and water. However, this identity is increasingly under threat due to the lack of recognition and the pressures of modern state boundaries that do not align with their traditional lands and cultural practices.

The history of Zambesia is complex and distinct in that it was never fully colonized in the traditional sense, as many other African territories were. Unlike regions that fell entirely under European control during the Scramble for Africa, Zambesia maintained a significant degree of autonomy and resistance to colonial rule. The area that encompasses present-day Zambesia, including parts of Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia, was traditionally inhabited by various ethnic groups, primarily the Zambesi people. These groups managed to maintain their way of life and governance structures largely intact, even as European powers established protectorates and influence in surrounding areas.

The division of Zambesia did not result from direct colonization but rather from the geopolitical maneuvers of European powers in the late 19th century. As British and German colonial interests expanded, the Zambesi region was fragmented, and its people were divided between the British protectorate of Bechuanaland (now Botswana) and the German colony of South West Africa (now Namibia). This division was more about drawing arbitrary lines on a map to suit European strategic interests than about establishing effective colonial control over the Zambesi people.

The situation was further complicated after World War I when the League of Nations mandated the former German colony of South West Africa to be administered by South Africa. The Zambesi people’s traditional lands were divided without their consent, leading to a legacy of fragmentation and marginalization. Following the decolonization of Africa, the region was incorporated into newly independent states, leaving the Zambesi people split across multiple national boundaries. Despite being recognized as Namibians within the Zambezi Region today, they continue to face significant challenges in maintaining their cultural identity and accessing economic opportunities on par with other Namibian citizens.

This history of fragmentation without full colonization has left the Zambesi people with a unique challenge: they were never fully colonized, but they were also never fully integrated into the states that now claim their territory. This has resulted in a persistent struggle for recognition and self-determination as they navigate the complexities of being a distinct people within modern national borders.

The Zambesi people face a range of issues stemming from their lack of recognition as an indigenous group in Namibia. Although the Namibian constitution prohibits discrimination based on ethnic or tribal affiliation, there is no specific legislation that protects the rights of indigenous peoples. This lack of recognition has led to the dispossession of traditional lands, undermining their livelihoods and cultural preservation. Additionally, the Zambezi Region is one of the most underdeveloped areas in Namibia, with inadequate infrastructure, high poverty rates, and limited access to healthcare and education.

The rural isolation of the Caprivi Strip, which is part of the Zambezi Region, exacerbates these issues. The region suffers from a lack of critical infrastructure and economic opportunities, leading to widespread poverty. Furthermore, land disputes and environmental degradation are ongoing concerns. The leasing of land for commercial purposes, such as tobacco plantations, has sparked controversy, with local communities opposing these developments due to the potential risks to food security and environmental sustainability.

Freedom of speech and political participation for the Zambesi people are also limited. While Namibia generally enjoys robust political rights and press freedom, minority groups like the Zambesi face disproportionate restrictions. Pro-independence movements are often suppressed, and activists advocating for greater autonomy or recognition face arrests and judicial proceedings. This ongoing repression highlights the challenges the Zambesi people face in exercising their right to self-determination.

The Zambesi people’s struggle for self-determination is a fight for the recognition of their unique cultural identity and their right to control their own future. Despite their rich heritage and historical ties to the land, they remain unrepresented and marginalized within the modern state structures of Southern Africa. Respecting their right to self-determination is not only a matter of rectifying historical injustices but also a crucial step toward ensuring the survival and prosperity of the Zambesi people. By acknowledging their rights and supporting their efforts to preserve their culture and identity, the international community can contribute to a more just and equitable future for the Zambesi people and other indigenous communities facing similar challenges.