Peaceful protests in Ngorongoro pay off as President samia gives directives
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – The Tanzanian government has responded to growing concerns over the exclusion of residents in Ngorongoro Division from the upcoming 2024 local government elections, insisting that no one has been denied the right to vote. The assurance follows reports that over 100,000 Maasai pastoralists were omitted from the voter register, raising fears of disenfranchisement and human rights violations.
William Lukuvi, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament, and Coordination), addressed the issue during a meeting with local leaders in Ngorongoro. He emphasized that President Samia Suluhu Hassan had directed that all eligible citizens in Ngorongoro should be allowed to vote. "Each councilor should go to their ward and clarify the President's message that no one has been denied the right to vote. The President has directed that these citizens should vote just like any other citizens," Lukuvi stated.
The controversy arises after a recent government order abolished all wards, villages, and sub-wards in Ngorongoro Division. This decision has left residents uncertain, with many fearing that their voting rights have been effectively stripped away.
A coalition of civil society organizations and human rights defenders in Tanzania on Thursday raised serious concerns about the ongoing human rights situation in the Ngorongoro Division of Arusha Region. Approximately 40,000 residents have engaged in peaceful protests for five consecutive days. The protesters, including women, children, and the elderly, are demanding immediate government intervention to address grievances such as the suspension of essential social services, the abolition of local administrative units, and the denial of their right to vote in the upcoming elections.

In a strongly worded statement released on August 22, 2024, the coalition expressed deep disappointment over the government's inaction and called on President Samia Suluhu Hassan to personally visit the region to listen to the residents' concerns. The statement highlighted the dire conditions faced by the Ngorongoro residents, who are enduring hunger and cold as they continue their roadside protests.

The Ngorongoro Division, which covers 55% of the district's total area and is home to nearly half of the district's 270,000 residents, has been severely affected by a series of government actions that have disrupted the lives of its inhabitants. According to the statement, only 9,600 people have relocated to Msomera as part of a government-initiated relocation process, while 110,000 remain in Ngorongoro Division, facing increasing hardships.

The statement also condemned the government's decision to abolish all wards, villages, and sub-wards in Ngorongoro Division, affecting more than 110,000 people. It argued that this move violates several articles of the Tanzanian Constitution, including the right to life, equality before the law, and participation in decisions affecting one's life. The abolition order, signed by the Minister of State for Regional Administration and Local Government on June 26, 2024, is seen as a violation of the residents' rights and a threat to their survival.

The civil society organizations urged the government to restore social services in Ngorongoro, revoke the order abolishing local administrative units, and allow residents to participate in the voting process. They also called on the international community and development partners to speak out against the human rights violations occurring in Ngorongoro Division.

"We believe that dialogue is the only way to find a solution," the statement read. "The residents of Ngorongoro have expressed their willingness to engage in discussions during their protests. It is time for the government to listen to their cries and address their needs."

"The residents now live under extremely difficult conditions, akin to being marginalized within their own country. They face severe challenges that violate their fundamental human rights as citizens of Tanzania," the statement added.

Government's Response and Reassurances

Lukuvi, however, reiterated that the status of sub-villages and villages in Ngorongoro remains unchanged and that the government is committed to addressing the residents' concerns. He conveyed President Hassan's intention to meet with representatives of the Ngorongoro community to hear their grievances directly. "The President will meet with you according to the procedure that will be explained and directed," he assured.

The government has also faced criticism for suspending essential social services in the area, including education and healthcare. Human rights defenders argue that the suspension of these services has exacerbated the hardships faced by the Maasai community, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and pregnant women.

Lukuvi acknowledged these concerns and directed the Ngorongoro authorities to restore all suspended services immediately. He gave specific instructions to repair school facilities and ensure that healthcare services are fully operational. "The President truly loves his people... He does not want any inconveniences," Lukuvi said, adding that the government will closely monitor the situation to ensure compliance.

Despite the government's reassurances, human rights organizations remain skeptical. They contend that the removal of polling stations in Ngorongoro and the transfer of voter registration to a distant region are deliberate efforts to force the Maasai community out of their ancestral lands.

"This action violates their constitutional right to vote, be elected, or choose their leaders," the human rights defenders' statement said, calling on the government to respect the rights of Ngorongoro residents and ensure their full participation in the upcoming elections.
Speaking to Reporters Thursday Onesmo Ole Ngurumwa, national coordinator of the Tanzania human rights defenders coalition urged official coordinating the Tanzania human rights Defenders coalition urged officials in Ngorogoro to refrain from spreading malicious propaganda against Ngorongoro people.
“The Maasai people are wise and see everything for what it is. They know when decisions have been prearranged and when their rights are being trampled on. These misleading stories are spread to deceive national leaders into thinking there’s no problem in Ngorongoro, all to make certain officials look like they’re doing a good job. But this only deepens the anger and frustration among the Maasai. They want to work with the government, but they’re never given the chance. It’s time the government rethinks the current approach, which is alienating the people of Ngorongoro. If we can’t stand up for these people, then we have no business defending human rights at all.”
The situation in Ngorongoro has drawn national attention, with many viewing it as a test of Tanzania's commitment to upholding human rights and the rule of law. As tensions continue to simmer, the government's next steps will be closely watched by both domestic and international observers.
Kizito Makoye
Watetezi Tv