TANZANIAN MAASAI LEADERS CONDEMN MISA ALLEGATIONS AS BASELESS
By our Special Writer.
In a spirited gathering in the Longido district, traditional Maasai leaders in Tanzania vehemently refuted claims made by the Maasai International Solidarity Alliance (MISA), branding the non-governmental organization’s allegations as unfounded and self-serving.
The Maasai leaders argued that MISA's assertions likely stem from Maasai living outside Tanzania, who may not fully grasp the local context. They underscored the freedom Tanzanian Maasai enjoy in moving their livestock across the country without hindrance.
“MISA appears to be composed of Maasai from other nations, not Tanzania. Here, we face no harassment and conduct our pastoral activities freely. They should not exploit us for fundraising,” declared Laigwana Supuk Ole Meng'urito from Simanjiro.
Laigwanan Mollel from Osinoni village in Ngorongoro cautioned his peers about individuals masquerading as Maasai advocates, urging the government to be vigilant against these imposters.
The leaders specifically dismissed MISA’s claims of Maasai land being seized around Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) and in parts of Ngorongoro. They insisted that no Maasai land had been confiscated and highlighted Tanzania's ample land resources compared to other countries.
“Resettlement exercise which is being conducted by the government is done in a very participatory way, it includes appropriate compensation. If other countries lack land, they should follow proper procedures to acquire it here, instead of falsely alleging land issues for Maasai in Tanzania. We graze our livestock from Arusha to Dar es Salaam, in Lindi, Katavi, Ruvuma, and even Zanzibar, without any problems,” emphasized Laigwanan Emmanuel.
The leaders accused MISA of serving the interests of a select few, failing to address the real challenges faced by the Maasai community in Tanzania. Instead, MISA seeks international aid for personal gain.
“If they truly care about Tanzanian Maasai, they should visit and see our way of life rather than using our name for economic benefit.
Here, we have no issues conducting our activities, thanks to the government’s proper systems that allow us to live without difficulties, contrary to MISA’s portrayal,” noted one elder.
Addressing the ongoing voluntary resettlement from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Msomera, the Maasai leaders clarified that this process is peaceful and consensual. Community members are voluntarily educated about the move and leave, debunking any notions of forced evictions.
This resettlement is essential due to the area's overpopulation by people, livestock, and human activities.
The Maasai community’s frustration with MISA stems from the reality that Tanzanian Maasai are protected and enjoy substantial freedom to move in search of pasture for their livestock.
The Maasai in Tanzania are present across almost all regions, engaging in various activities, including livestock rearing, and migrating with their herds without any issues.
According to the Tanzanian government, resettlement within the country adheres to procedures and laws, with no use of force. Tanzanian law states that land belongs to the President, and any land relocation for other uses follows established procedures.
Former government spokesperson Mobhare Matinyi recently assured journalists that Tanzania will continue to respect human rights, ensuring no citizen is displaced without due compensation and legal entitlements.
For years, the Maasai community in Tanzania has lived peacefully, conducting their pastoral activities in designated areas. However, they have recently been influenced by individuals seeking funds, urging them to remain in wildlife-rich areas so organizations like MISA can exploit them for financial gain.
