President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania has ordered the reinstatement of essential social services, including education and healthcare, in Ngorongoro, Arusha, where these services had deteriorated in recent years.

On August 23, 2024, Minister William Lukuvi, from the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament, and Coordination), delivered President Samia’s orders to residents of 11 wards in Ngorongoro, who had gathered for five days awaiting a response to their grievances.

Minister Lukuvi instructed the Ngorongoro District Director to prioritize the reconstruction of collapsed school toilets and repair the broken water pump at Ngorongoro Girls’ School, which had forced students to walk long distances for water.

Additionally, he emphasized the President’s commitment to fully restoring healthcare and education services, directing that available funds be used to fix all existing issues to ensure quality services for the people of Ngorongoro.

How The Maasai Protests Pressured the Government to Respond

On August 18, 2024, the Maasai community in Ngorongoro held a large peaceful protest along the Ngorongoro-Serengeti highway, demanding the Tanzanian government recognize and respect their fundamental rights.
For the past four years, the Maasai have faced numerous challenges, including restricted access to social services, physical harassment, violations of land rights, denial of voter registration, and pressure to relocate. These issues have led to growing frustration, culminating in the recent protests and roadblocks.

The Maasai have been calling for meaningful dialogue with authorities to address their grievances and ensure justice. They have been seeking public understanding and support in their fight for rights and justice.
The Tanzanian government has, in recent years, suspended social services in the Ngorongoro area, aiming to pressure the Maasai to vacate their land.

Recent actions, including removing the area from voter registration centers, further fueled the tensions.