Tanzanian Maasai Face Forced Eviction from Ancestral Lands

The government of Tanzania is displacing over 82,000 Maasai people from their ancestral lands in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, as reported by Human Rights Watch (HRW). The rights watchdog revealed that the government violated the Maasai’s rights to land, education, and health without proper consent.

International Outcry

HRW’s senior researcher, Juliana Nnoko, stated that the Maasai are being forcibly evicted under the false pretense of voluntary relocation. The report exposed instances of government-employed rangers assaulting and beating residents, resulting in community members reporting 13 alleged incidents of beatings.

The Tanzanian government claims the evictions are necessary to protect the UNESCO World Heritage site from human encroachment. However, HRW argues that the government aims to use Maasai lands for conservation and tourism, leading to funding withdrawals from the World Bank and the European Union.

Authorities Cut Infrastructure to Force Relocation

To coerce relocation, authorities have cut funding for schools and health centers, limiting access to essential care and increasing travel distances. Tragically, the service cuts have resulted in severe consequences, including premature births without proper medical care leading to infant deaths and maternal deaths due to lack of timely medical help.

It is crucial to raise awareness and support the Maasai community in their fight to protect their ancestral lands and rights.

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