Bemba, also known as Chibemba and Ichibemba, is a Bantu language that is spoken primarily in Zambia but is also spoken in surrounding countries. Bemba and its dialects are spoken and understood by a sizable percentage of the population of Zambia. Over three million people are estimated to be native Bemba speakers in Zambia alone, with others using Bemba as a second language. Bemba is used as a lingua franca in Zambian cities and, according to Ethnologue, it "has higher social status than other languages except English" within Zambia.
Bemba is also spoken, to a lesser extent, in the Tanzania, and Botswana.
Dialects: Principal dialects are: Aushi, Bemba, Bisa, Chishinga, Kunda, Lala, Lamba, Luunda, Ng'umbo, Swaka, Tabwa, and Unga.
Bemba was also selected by the colonial administration as one of the four main indigenous languages (along with Lozi, Nyanja, and Tonga) to be used in education and mass media.
Bemba is one of the seven official Zambian languages (along with Kaonde, Lozi, Lunda, Luvale, Nyanja, and Tonga).
Bemba insisted Friday that he was the victim of a government onslaught.
Bemba, who refused to confirm Friday that he was hiding in the South African embassy, was elected a senator in January, a position that carries immunity from prosecution during the term of office.
Bemba and Azarias Ruberwa, whose rebel movements battled Kinshasa until 2003, were vice presidents under Kabila during a post-war transition to democratic rule overseen by the United Nations.
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