Villagers oppose new game area

What you need to know:

  • The ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism announced through GN No. 421 in June last year that it upgraded the protected area, technically putting a halt to human settlement and other human activities

Arusha. The High Court is set to hear a case in which five residents of Loliondo in Ngorongoro district, Arusha region, have challenged the upgrading of the Pololeti game-controlled area.

The ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism announced through GN No. 421 in June last year that it upgraded the protected area, technically putting a halt to human settlement and other human activities.

The five Loliondo residents prayed before the court to order the government to reverse the process, arguing that they solely relied on the disputed area for grazing their livestock and other livelihood activities.

They are represented by two advocates; Mpale Mpoki, Jeremiah Mtobesya, Dennis Mosses and Yonas Masiaya, while the respondent (the government) is represented by state attorneys Peter Mseti and Jackline Kinyasi.

They are demanding that the government lift a ban that prohibited them from accessing resources within the disputed area, such as forage for their livestock and ritual sites. The case came for mention this week by the Principal Judge at the High Court of Tanzania, Arusha Zone, Joachim Tiganga.

Advocate Mpoki prayed to the court to give the defence side at least three weeks to submit all the evidence, a request to which Judge Tiganga agreed, setting June 18 as the date for the submission. 

Further submissions should be made on July 23, 2023. The case will come up for mention on July 31st, during which time a ruling will be made.