Activists say that past commissions have failed to provide tangible solutions. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
Arusha – President Samia Suluhu Hassan has unveiled bold plans to address the long-standing grievances of Ngorongoro residents by establishing two high-level commissions. One will tackle contentious land disputes that have fueled tensions in the area, while the other will scrutinize the progress and challenges of the voluntary relocation program aimed at easing pressure on the conservation zone.
Speaking Yesterday December 1, 2024, at the Arusha State Lodge, President Samia held a meeting with traditional Maasai leaders (Malaigwanani) from Ngorongoro to discuss their concerns regarding government policies impacting their livelihoods.
She emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering collaboration with the community and ensuring that all development projects in the area are planned and executed in consultation with residents. Furthermore, the President underscored the urgency of addressing the lack of basic services like healthcare and education, which have caused significant hardship for the residents.
However, the announcement of new commissions has sparked mixed reactions among Ngorongoro residents. Activist Kuyar Lanyor criticized the move, arguing that past commissions have failed to provide tangible solutions.
Speaking to Land Dwellers Online TV, Lanyor expressed his frustration, stating, "What is the need for another commission when our problems are well-known? For four years, we have been denied basic services like clinics and schools. People cannot even access their homes without permits. This is modern-day colonialism."
Lanyor highlighted that the relocation program to Msomera in Tanga Region has caused additional suffering, with Maasai families reportedly living in overcrowded conditions. "Imagine a man with four wives and several children forced to live under one roof.
These are realities no one wants to discuss openly. Instead of forming commissions, the President should visit Ngorongoro herself, listen to the people directly, and address these issues head-on."
The concerns raised by Lanyor resonate with longstanding criticisms from opposition leaders like Tundu Lissu, Vice Chairperson of Chadema (Mainland).
Lissu has frequently condemned the government for using commissions as a delay tactic rather than directly addressing pressing issues. "We’ve seen commissions come and go, yet the core problems remain unsolved. Reports are written, but they only gather dust. Real solutions lie in hearing the people’s voices and acting accordingly," Lissu remarked during a political rally.
Historically, several commissions have been formed to resolve disputes in Ngorongoro and other conservation areas.
The Loliondo Commission, established in 2013, was tasked with addressing land conflicts between local Maasai communities and tourism investors. Despite its efforts, the conflict persisted, with Maasai communities accusing the government of siding with powerful interests.
Similarly, the Serengeti and Tarangire Commissions in the early 2000s attempted to resolve disputes over land use and access to resources, but their findings were criticized for failing to protect the rights of indigenous residents.
More recently, the Msomera Relocation Commission, formed in 2022, faced backlash over claims that it overlooked the realities faced by relocated Maasai families, including a lack of adequate housing and essential services.
Ngorongoro is a unique area, home to a delicate balance of cultural heritage and environmental conservation. For decades, the Maasai community has lived alongside wildlife, preserving their traditional way of life.
Nevertheless, rising population pressures and environmental degradation have brought conflicts to the forefront. Residents report losing their ancestral lands and facing restrictions on movement and resource use, all in the name of conservation. The government’s efforts to relocate some residents to areas like Msomera were meant to ease these tensions but led to new challenges instead.
President Samia has emphasized that Tanzania prides itself on unity and a government that serves all citizens equally. She has called for better cooperation between local authorities and the Ministry of Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG) to address gaps in social services.
Her vision for Ngorongoro includes enhanced governance and a stronger relationship between the government and the community.
Despite these reassurances, many Ngorongoro residents remain skeptical. Activists like Lanyor argue that new commissions will likely replicate the failures of their predecessors unless local voices are genuinely included in the process. "We don’t need more outsiders to come and tell our stories. We need our people—those who live this reality daily—to be part of the solution," he insisted.
As Ngorongoro residents await the next steps, their calls for immediate action grow louder. Their challenges are not abstract; they involve tangible struggles over land, health, education, and basic human dignity.
This is a pivotal moment for the government to move beyond studies and reports and deliver solutions that restore hope and trust in the region. For many, the ultimate measure of success will not be in the commissions formed but in the concrete changes made to improve their lives.