Oasis of Hope Foundation Statement on the Displacement of Maasai Communities in Tanzania

The Oasis of Hope Foundation stands in solidarity with the Maasai communities in Tanzania, who are facing severe threats to their livelihoods and cultural heritage. The Tanzanian government, in collaboration with the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), is intensifying a campaign of forced evictions, violence, and restrictions on local communities living near National Parks. This crisis demands immediate international attention and action.

Background and Recent Developments

The Oakland Institute's Urgent Alert, issued on January 25, 2024, highlights three critical areas where the Maasai and other indigenous communities are experiencing significant human rights abuses:

1. Simanjiro District:
- On January 14, 2024, TANAPA paramilitary rangers shot several Maasai herders in Komotorok village.
- Rangers arrested eight individuals and seized 800 livestock.
- In December 2022, over 3,000 cattle were confiscated for allegedly entering Tarangire National Park, though sources claim the livestock were not within park boundaries.

2. Ngorongoro Conservation Area:
- On January 17, 2024, the Tanzanian government announced changes to the legal status of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to prohibit human settlement, targeting the eviction of nearly 100,000 Maasai pastoralists.
- The government aims to evict 20,000 people by March 2024, exacerbating tensions as services to these communities have already been systematically cut.

3. Ruaha National Park:
- Efforts to expand Ruaha National Park include seizing farming equipment and fertilizer to prevent cultivation during the rainy season.
- Communities filed a case with the East African Court of Justice in December 2023 to stop these oppressive actions.

These evictions are part of a $150 million World Bank project aimed at expanding natural resource management for tourism. Despite the approval of an investigation by the World Bank's Inspection Panel, the violence and forced removals have intensified. Over $100 million has already been disbursed, raising concerns about the project's impact on indigenous communities.

Voices from the Ground

Levne K. Njau, our founder, expresses profound concern: "The Maasai have stewarded their lands for generations. The current evictions are not about conservation but greed. We call on the international community to support these communities in their fight for justice."

The Maasai and other affected communities have repeatedly stated, "As donors of the Tanzanian government, you are positioned to rescue the life, livelihoods, and culture of our people. You can either be silent and complicit or take a stand for justice, dignity, and human rights."

Anuradha Mittal, Executive Director of the Oakland Institute, echoes this sentiment: "The devastation of the Maasai and other indigenous communities' lives has nothing to do with environmental conservation. It's driven by greed. The international community must hold the Tanzanian government accountable."

Call to Action

The Oasis of Hope Foundation urges the global community to:

- Sign the Petition: Support the petition by Rainforest Rescue and the Oakland Institute to halt the evictions in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- Advocate for Freezing World Bank Funds: Demand that the World Bank freezes funding for the project until a thorough investigation is completed.
- Pressure Tanzanian Government: Insist on halting all forced evictions and ensuring the protection of indigenous rights.
- Raise Awareness: Share this information widely to bring more attention to the plight of the Maasai and other affected communities.

Conclusion

The situation in Tanzania is a critical human rights issue that requires urgent international intervention. The Oasis of Hope Foundation is committed to advocating for the rights of the Maasai and all indigenous communities affected by these actions. We call on all supporters, activists, and concerned citizens to join us in this vital effort to protect human rights and preserve the cultural heritage of the Maasai.
For further details and to join our cause, please visit our website and follow our social media channels for updates.

Board Members' Message

"Our foundation is dedicated to protecting the rights and dignity of all communities. The situation in Tanzania is a clear violation of human rights, and we must act now. Your support can make a difference."

Members' Statement

"As members of the Oasis of Hope Foundation, we stand united with the Maasai. We believe in a world where all people can live with dignity and respect. Join us in our fight for justice."
Levne K. Njau, Founder, Oasis of Hope Foundation