Tanzania: Forced evictions of Maasai people in Loliondo
According to reliable information received by IWGIA, forced and illegal evictions of Maasai pastoralists and serious human rights violations are happening in Tanzania. These violations take place on registered village land in Loliondo Division of Ngorongoro District, Arusha Region.
Reports indicate that Maasai houses/bomas have been burned down, livestock have been lost, people have been forced to pay fines, and have been harassed and threatened. It is reported that there is lack of water and food and that men, women, children and the elderly have to sleep out with no shelter. Families are being separated, and many people are now suffering from psychological trauma because of the evictions and harassment. The evictions are creating food insecurity and lead to impoverishment.
Maasai houses burnt to the ground
On the 13th and 14th of August 2017, an estimated 185 Maasai bomas (homesteads) were burned down by Serengeti National Park (SENAPA) and Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) rangers, supported by police from Loliondo.
As a result, it is estimated that approximately 6.800 people have been rendered homeless, had most of their property destroyed and been left without any shelter, food or water. The number is still increasing since the violent eviction is still going on. Peoples' livestock are also unprotected and many have scattered into the surrounding areas.
