President Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced the formation of two investigative teams to assess land issues in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCAA) and the voluntary relocation process of Maasai residents to areas like Msomera in Tanga Region. The president made the announcement during a meeting with Maasai elders at the State Lodge in Arusha, aimed at addressing concerns over the slow progress of the relocation process.
The voluntary relocation of approximately 20,000 households, or about 115,000 people, from the NCAA has faced challenges, particularly with community participation. Many residents have not responded to the relocation initiative, prompting the government to restore essential social services in the area. President Suluhu emphasized the importance of fostering better cooperation between local communities, the conservation agency, and the government, highlighting the need for citizen involvement in decision-making processes.
The government is committed to resolving the issues affecting the region, including a shortage of social services. Rights groups like the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) have voiced concerns, calling for the formation of an independent commission that includes all relevant stakeholders. They stress that the commission should be transparent, and its recommendations should lead to actionable solutions.
The plan to relocate residents is part of efforts to protect both people and wildlife in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. However, the move has been met with criticism from activists, who argue that it undermines the Maasai’s traditional land rights, despite the relocation being voluntary.