"Group raises alarm over state harassment of land activists"

Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) yesterday came out strongly to condemn threats directed towards defenders of pastoralists’ human rights in Loliondo. Human rights defenders in Loliondo have been advocating for pastoralists’ land rights following intentions by investors to grab their land. THRDC national coordinator Onesmo Olengurumwa told a news conference in Dar es Salaam that almost every non-governmental organisation (NGO) operating in Ngorongoro area have tasted a certain level of police harassment intimidation. “All 17 active operating NGOs in Loliondo and their leaders have been frequently condemned and threatened by government officials over allegations of inciting land conflicts in Ngorongoro,’’ he said.