Tanzanian government’s boundary overhaul sparks fierce protests from Maasai community

Minister for Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), Mohamed Omary Mchengerwa. Photo: Courtesy

By Adonis Byemelwa

Dodoma: August 2, 2024 — The Tanzanian government has announced a major reorganization of local administrative boundaries under Government Notice No. 673, issued today 20^th August 2024.

This new decree, effective immediately, redraws the administrative map across several districts, including Ngorongoro, Bahi, Chemba, Kasulu, Kakonko, Hai, and Rombo. The announcement comes at a time of heightened tension, particularly in Ngorongoro, where the Maasai community has been staging vigorous protests against the government's policies.

The administrative overhaul includes the removal and realignment of numerous wards, villages, and hamlets. In Ngorongoro, for instance, several villages such as Meshili, Naiborajijik, and others have been eliminated or merged with neighboring areas.

The reorganization also affects villages and wards in other districts, with significant changes in places like Bahi, where villages like Chang’ombe and Mwongozo are being reorganized, and Kasulu, which sees alterations to villages including Mugombe and Buchuma.

The changes, intended to enhance administrative efficiency, have, however, ignited intense controversy, particularly in Ngorongoro, where the Maasai community has been staging robust protests against the government's policies.

Minister for Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), Mohamed Omary Mchengerwa, defended the reforms, stating they are intended to improve administrative efficiency and governance. “These changes are aimed at streamlining local government operations and enhancing service delivery across various districts,” Mchengerwa explained in a statement.

He emphasized that the adjustments are part of a broader strategy to improve administrative functions and address inefficiencies in the current system.

Despite the government’s assurances, the timing of these changes has proven contentious, particularly in Ngorongoro. For two consecutive days leading up to the announcement, the Maasai community has staged large-scale demonstrations against the proposed administrative adjustments.

 The protests have been driven by concerns that the reorganization threatens their traditional land rights and way of life. Demonstrators gathered in several key locations, blocking roads and clashing with security forces.

On the morning of August 18, 2024, the Maasai community organized a significant peaceful protest along the Ngorongoro-Serengeti highway, demanding that the Tanzanian government recognize and uphold their fundamental rights. The Maasai argue that the boundary changes were enacted without proper consultation, disrupting their traditional governance and land management systems.

The following day, the protests intensified. In response to heavy-handed tactics from the authorities, including the use of tear gas and rubber bullets, the demonstrations spread to other towns within the district. Maasai leaders called for a halt to the administrative changes and urged the government to engage in dialogue with the affected communities.

The Maasai's grievances reflect broader concerns about how administrative changes can impact marginalized communities, particularly those whose traditional lands and ways of life are directly affected.

The community has faced increasing restrictions on accessing social services, harassment, and violations of land rights. Recent government actions, such as removing Maasai areas from voter registration lists, have only heightened their frustration and sense of disenfranchisement.

The Maasai set up roadblocks on major roads at 6:00 AM on August 18. “Our voices have been silenced for too long,” one protester declared. “We don’t block this road by choice; we’re forced to do it.” The community is calling for meaningful dialogue with the authorities and public support for their fight for justice.

The government's actions have led to severe consequences. Over the past four years, essential services such as healthcare and education have been suspended in Ngorongoro, placing immense pressure on the Maasai to vacate their lands. The removal of polling centers for voter registration has disenfranchised the community, a move described as a gross violation of their rights.

In response to the protests, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) issued a statement, which quickly went viral on social media. Hamis Dambaya, Acting Manager of the Public Relations Unit, assured that tourism activities within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area remain unaffected. “Tourists from both Tanzania and abroad are proceeding with their trips to experience the park’s renowned attractions,” Dambaya stated.

Political figures have also weighed in on the crisis. Chadema Vice Chairman Tundu Lissu has called for action, urging the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) to intervene. “This gross violation of citizens' rights must be challenged through every legal avenue available,” Lissu declared.

Local criticism is mounting as well. An anonymous teacher from Embarway Secondary School in Ngorongoro expressed frustration over the disruption of essential services. “It feels like the government is deliberately discouraging the residents, forcing them to leave the district,” the teacher remarked. “We have lived harmoniously with wildlife here for generations. It seems this government, under President Samia, values animals more than people.”

The Ngorongoro Conservation Authority offices have been relocated near Karatu to minimize human-wildlife interactions. There is even speculation that Embarway School might be moved due to cost considerations, with the abandoned Ngorongoro Authority buildings being less economically viable.

Ngorongoro MP Emmanuel Ole Shangai (CCM) has raised concerns in Parliament about the voluntary nature of the relocation amid the withholding of essential services. Speaking in Dodoma on April 8, 2024, during the budget discussion for the Prime Minister’s Office, Shangai highlighted the dire situation in Ngorongoro. “Residents have been under a lockdown since 2022, stunting development,” Shangai noted.

He also pointed out the severe impact on local schools, citing that 27 primary schools are unable to build or repair toilets, and Enduleni Primary School students must fetch water from the river due to suspended water services.

The peaceful demonstration, although aimed at demanding the recognition of the Maasai’s rights, has inadvertently affected tourism in the area. Photo: Courtesy

Renowned economist and retired professor Anna Tibaijuka has criticized the government’s approach, arguing that expanding conservation reserves at the expense of human settlement is shortsighted. “Prioritizing animals over people is absurd,” Tibaijuka said. She warned that some agreements between the government and private investors may infringe on human rights, calling for a closer examination of such deals.

The Tanzanian government is under mounting pressure to address the Maasai community’s concerns amid ongoing protests. Calls are growing for a more inclusive approach that honors the rights and traditions of indigenous peoples while pursuing administrative efficiency. This standoff could have profound effects on local governance and national policies regarding land and indigenous rights in Tanzania.