NCAA DENOUNCES MISINFORMATION CAMPAIGNS ON MAASAI RESSETLEMENT

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) has urged foreign institutions and non-governmental organizations to stop spreading misinformation about the resettlement of residents from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Msomera village, emphasizing the need to seek accurate information on the matter.

Following the Maasai community festival held within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Hamis Dambaya, the Acting Public Relations Manager of the authority, refuted claims from certain institutions that the Maasai are being forcibly evicted, describing these reports as untrue. 

The festival, attended by various individuals including authority employees, underscored the cooperative relationship between the Maasai community and the NCAA, facilitating a voluntary resettlement education campaign without opposition.

"These events send a strong message to international organizations alleging forced evictions of the Maasai from their lands," stated Dambaya.

The statement by the Acting Public Relations Manager was aimed at countering international institutions such as the Maasai International Solidarity Alliance (MISA), the Human Rights Advocacy Unit of the University of Pretoria, and Africa Intelligence Magazine. 

These entities recently reported alleged forcible evictions of the Maasai, citing coercion and violence in the resettlement process, leading to international concern and criticism regarding the treatment of Indigenous communities in Tanzania.

In contrast, the NCAA maintains that the resettlement process is peaceful and voluntary, aimed at improving the living conditions of the Maasai people. 

Dambaya dismissed the allegations as gross misinformation, emphasizing that the Maasai have historically moved freely across Tanzania without coercion or harassment.

"In Tanzania, the Maasai community is not troubled or forcibly removed from any location, as evidenced by their presence across the mainland and islands. Claims of forced relocation and defense by external organizations may be influenced by leaders from other parts of the world, but those familiar with Tanzania know the truth," Dambaya asserted.

During the festival held within the Ngorongoro Crater, young Maasai led by elders performed traditional rituals, affirming that such cultural activities could continue unabated even with resettlement. Visitors to the crater witnessed the vibrant participation of the Maasai community in these festivities.

Certain international human rights organizations continue to disseminate misinformation about the voluntary resettlement of Ngorongoro Conservation Area residents to Msomera, often relying on selective information from individuals who benefit financially through advocacy in non-governmental organizations supposedly defending human rights. 

Many of these organizations are managed by individuals unfamiliar with the challenges faced by Maasai residents.

Despite unwarranted criticisms, the Tanzanian government remains committed to the voluntary resettlement effort within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, aiming to enhance living conditions and align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) promoting safety and improved livelihoods for all.