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| The Minister of Policy, Parliament, and Coordination in the Prime Minister’s Office William Lukuvi.Photo: Courtesy |
By Adonis Byemelwa
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has issued a directive to restore social services in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area following five days of intense protests by residents. The protests erupted after the government proposed ending services within the conservation zone, a move that would affect 11 wards, 25 villages, and 96 sub-villages.
William Lukuvi, the Minister of Policy, Parliament, and Coordination in the Prime Minister’s Office, announced the president's decision at a rally in Ngorongoro, emphasizing the government's commitment to addressing the residents' needs.
The government's plan, detailed in a notice published on August 2, 2024, aimed at administrative restructuring, had sparked widespread outrage among the Maasai community, leading to roadblocks and demonstrations along the Ngorongoro-Serengeti highway.
Amid the protests, Legal and Constitutional Affairs Minister Prof. Palamagamba Kabudi urged the community to remain calm, assuring them that their rights were safeguarded under the constitution. He emphasized that President Samia’s directive was a clear indication that the government had no intention of disregarding the welfare of its citizens.
Despite these assurances, the relocation of residents from the conservation area has been viewed by many as an eviction rather than a voluntary move. The government’s relocation plan, which offers new settlements in Msomera, Tanga Region, promises access to farming, health services, and education. However, critics argue that the initiative is being forced upon the Maasai community, stripping them of their rights and excluding them from upcoming local elections.
Prominent legal scholar Prof. Issa Shivji condemned the government’s actions on his social media, warning that the decision undermines grassroots democracy. He highlighted that the removal of local governments violates the constitutional rights of the Maasai people to participate in governance. Shivji's remarks have intensified the debate over the government’s approach, raising concerns about the broader implications for democracy and human rights in Tanzania.
Adding to the growing dissent, Chadema Vice Chairman Tundu Lissu called on the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) to challenge the government's actions through legal channels. Lissu criticized the relocation process, which he argues has led to the disenfranchisement of thousands of Ngorongoro residents, depriving them of their voting rights and essential services.
Ngorongoro MP Emmanuel Ole Shangai echoed these concerns in Parliament, questioning how the relocation could be considered voluntary when basic services like water and education are being denied. He cited the dire conditions in local schools, where students and teachers are forced to relieve themselves in the bush due to the lack of toilet facilities.
Renowned economist and former minister Prof. Anna Tibaijuka also voiced her criticism, arguing that Tanzania’s conservation reserves already occupy a significant portion of the country’s land. She warned that prioritizing conservation over human settlement could hinder the country’s development and industrialization efforts. Tibaijuka urged a closer examination of agreements between the government and private investors, which she claimed might infringe on human rights.
As tensions continue to simmer, the government faces increasing pressure to ensure that the relocation process is conducted fairly and that residents are compensated adequately. The situation in Ngorongoro has become a focal point for broader discussions on land rights, governance, and the balance between conservation and human development in Tanzania.