Lewanika had made the claim that the Upper Zambezi was under his domain, a valid statement in the eyes of the Barotse, as it was supported by their intervention in the Wars of Ulamba. BSAC, which was anxious to counter Portuguese claims, accepted the claim. Because it was advantageous to the interests of the Barotse and the BSAC, Balovale was henceforth considered to be a part of Barotseland.
Lewanika claimed that the Upper Zambezi fell under his control, a valid claim in the Barotse's view because they had intervened in the Wars of Ulamba. BSAC, which sought to counter Portuguese claims, accepted this assertion. Balovale was consequently considered part of Barotseland due to its alignment with both the Barotse and BSAC interests.