Lewanika

Lewanika (c. 1842 – 1916) was a Litunga (king) of Barotseland, a kingdom within present-day Zambia, from 1878 to 1884 and again from 1885 to 1916. He is considered one of the most important and influential rulers in Barotseland's history.

His first reign was cut short by a coup d'état led by rebellious factions within the Lozi society, resulting in his temporary deposition in 1884. He regained the throne the following year with the help of loyal supporters and through strategic political maneuvering.

Lewanika is best known for his 1890 application to Queen Victoria for Barotseland to become a British Protectorate. This was formally established in 1900 through a treaty administered by Cecil Rhodes' British South Africa Company, granting the BSAC control over the region's administration and resource extraction. While Lewanika believed this arrangement would offer protection from other European powers and maintain a degree of autonomy for the Lozi people, it ultimately led to the exploitation of Barotseland's resources and a gradual erosion of local sovereignty.

His motivations for seeking protection were complex, stemming from fears of encroachment by other European powers, particularly the Portuguese and Germans, and the internal challenges to his rule. He aimed to preserve the integrity of the Lozi kingdom and its traditions in a rapidly changing colonial landscape.

Lewanika's reign witnessed significant social and economic changes, including the introduction of Christianity and Western education through missionary activities. He himself adopted some Western customs while seeking to balance modernization with the preservation of Lozi cultural identity.

His legacy remains complex and debated. He is revered by many Lozi people for his efforts to protect Barotseland from external threats and for his diplomatic skills. However, his decision to enter into a protectorate agreement with the British South Africa Company is also viewed critically by some, who argue that it ultimately led to the loss of Lozi autonomy and the exploitation of their resources. He died in 1916 and was succeeded by his son, Yeta III.