Maasai communities and leaders in Loliondo
Fuentes
Maasai communities in Loliondo, North Tanzania, are threatened with forced displacement as the government seeks to demarcate a 1,500 km2 area of Maasai land as a Game Reserve for the Otterlo Business Company, an UAE-based corporation which runs hunting excursions for the country’s royal family and their guests. Between June and July 2022, dozens of Maasai leaders, members, councillors and village chairmen have been imprisoned by armed forces as Maasai protested efforts to evict them. At least 18 men and 13 women were shot, and 13 wounded with machetes. One person is confirmed dead. According to reports, supporting-NGO staff have been threatened, and some have fled the country in fear of retaliation.