Succession and Civil War Among the Bemba an Exercise in Anthropological Theory

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Abstract
A relatively stable political system in Africa presents a balance be­ tween conflicting tendencies and between divergent interests. In Group A [a group of societies ‘which have centralized authority, administrative machinery, and judicial institutions . . . and in which cleavages of wealth, privilege and status correspond to the distribution of power and authority’] it is a balance between different parts of the administrative organization. The forces that maintain the supremacy of the paramount ruler are opposed by the forces that act as a check on his powers. . . . The regional devolution of powers and privileges, necessary on account of difficulties of communication and transport and of other cultural deficiencies, imposes severe restrictions on a king’s authority. The balance between central authority and regional autonomy is a very important element in the political structure. If a king abuses his power, subordinate chiefs are liable to secede or to lead a revolt against him. If a subordinate chief seems to be getting too powerful and independent, the central authority will be supported by other subordinate chiefs in suppressing him.

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