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International agency Oxfam is deeply concerned with the recent detention of one of its staff and two colleagues from the Ngorongoro NGO Network (NGONET) by authorities in Loliondo, following protests by local women about alleged violations of land rights in the area. The three were detained on 12 April and released the next day on bail. Oxfam calls on the authorities to hold an immediate investigation into the detentions, and take steps to address the concerns of local communities amid growing tension in the area.

Oxfam deeply concerned at detention of staff member and local partners

Agency calls for peaceful resolution to rising tensions in Ngorongoro

International agency Oxfam is deeply concerned with the recent detention of one of its staff and two colleagues from the Ngorongoro NGO Network (NGONET) by authorities in Loliondo, following protests by local women about alleged violations of land rights in the area. The three were detained on 12 April and released the next day on bail. Oxfam calls on the authorities to hold an immediate investigation into the detentions, and take steps to address the concerns of local communities amid growing tension in the area.
The detentions appear to be linked to protests this week led by citizens concerned about their land rights. Last year, hundreds of families were evicted from the land they were using and now there are steps underway by the local government to change land demarcation. Local communities say this will further undermine their access to grazing and natural resources, and threaten their livelihoods. The Oxfam and NGONET staff were detained after recent protests, despite not being involved in the protests. There have also been local reports that other local NGOs and known activists have been subject to harassment by the authorities in recent days.
Justin Morgan, Country Director for Oxfam GB in Tanzania, said:

“Oxfam has a long history of working to help eradicate poverty in Tanzania, and we highly value the close cooperation from the government of Tanzania in this work. Recently in Ngorongoro we have worked with the government and NGONET to provide food and other assistance in response to the severe drought that has affected the area in 2006, 2007 and 2009.
“We also firmly believe in the rights of Tanzanian citizens, especially the poor and marginalised, to organise and raise their concerns about issues that affect their livelihoods and fundamental rights. We know the government of Tanzania ascribes to democratic values including freedom of association and freedom of expression, and these recent developments appear to be out of step with their normal policy and practice. The right of citizens to have a voice, and for that voice to be heard, is an integral part of democratic society.”

Oxfam calls on all parties to exercise restraint, respect human rights and find a peaceful resolution to the underlying issues that are causing the current tensions in Ngorongoro.
“Holding an urgent discussion with all key stakeholders in the area may be one way towards understanding the full concerns that local residents have, and seeking constructive solutions”, said Mr Morgan.

More information:

Adam Davies, Communication Coordinator, Oxfam GB, Tanzania,

Mobile: +255 772 600 208. Email: [email][email protected]
Oxfam is a worldwide organisation that employs over 6,000 people in more than 80 countries to overcome poverty and suffering. Oxfam has been working in Tanzania since the 1960s, on among others, education, livelihoods, strengthening civil society and promoting women’s rights.