Ngorongoro: Rights activists urge inclusivity, transparency

Dar es Salaam. Human rights activists yesterday reacted positively to President Samia Suluhu Hassan's decision to appoint two commissions to address challenges residents of Ngorongoro District in Arusha Region have been facing.
However, they called for greater inclusivity and transparency to ensure that the envisaged commissions successfully resolve long-standing issues in the area.
President Hassan on Sunday announced the formation of two commissions during a meeting at Arusha State Lodge with Maasai traditional leaders (Laigwanan) from Ngorongoro.
The first commission will investigate and recommend solutions to land disputes affecting residents, while the second will look into the voluntary resettlement of people living within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA).
The President also stressed the importance of strengthening the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) to improve relations with the local Maasai community and emphasised the need for community involvement in the planning and implementation of projects that affect them.
“Tanzania is a nation built on unity and inclusivity and our government serves all Tanzanians,” she said.
Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) national coordinator Onesmo Olengurumwa welcomed the President's initiative,  but said  for the commissions to succeed, they must ensure full participation of local communities and maintain transparency throughout their operations.
“This engagement is a significant milestone toward resolving the region’s complex challenges, but it is essential that the process remains inclusive and transparent,” he said.
Mr Olengurumwa commended the President’s direct engagement with the Ngorongoro community, saying it was long overdue.
However, he said a few weeks ago, THRDC praised the government's efforts to restore essential social services in Ngorongoro, prompted by community protests over service disruptions.
“The government has shown its people that it cares about them and that’s what we all like to see.”
Mr Olengurumwa acknowledged the positive impact of these actions, particularly in infrastructure and education improvements.
However, he said addressing the area’s issues requires an independent commission to provide impartial and comprehensive recommendations.
“We have consistently proposed an independent commission in our reports, and we believe it can provide actionable recommendations that safeguard human rights and align with conservation goals.”
Mr Olengurumwa called for active community participation in the work of the commissions, urging that conservation efforts should not undermine people’s rights.
“Conservation efforts should not come at the expense of human rights. We hope the commissions will embrace a people-centred approach that balances environmental protection with the rights and livelihoods of the local communities,” he said.
The Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) also expressed support for the government's focus on Ngorongoro.
LHRC advocacy and reforms director Flugence Massawe praised the current efforts, noting that the government's attention to the community's concerns has made the residents feel more integrated into Tanzania as a whole.
“For too long, these issues were overlooked. Now, the community feels like part of the nation rather than being left behind,” he said.
Mr Massawe highlighted the importance of addressing issues promptly to avoid tensions and protests.
“Acting swiftly and fairly can prevent unnecessary conflict and help build trust between the government and the people,” he said.
Tanzania Gender Networking Programme (TGNP) executive director Lilian Liundi said the commissions must ensure the voices of the residents are heard.
“The government's collaboration with local communities is crucial to ensure that any proposed solutions align with their needs and aspirations,” she said.