Joseph Oleshangay believes that government officials in Tanzania view his community, the Indigenous Maasai group, as subhuman. As a human rights lawyer, he is actively fighting against the government’s forced evictions of Maasai people from areas surrounding national parks, which officials claim is to protect wildlife. However, Maasai members have reported intimidation, rights abuses, and violence at the hands of park rangers and security forces.
Oleshangay and other activists have taken their grievances to international donors, urging them to withhold funding from the Tanzanian government until the alleged violence ceases. Their efforts have led to the suspension of grants from organizations like the World Bank and the European Union.
The conflict between the government and the Maasai stems from the government’s desire to expand tourism in Tanzania, a vital source of revenue for the country. However, the Maasai have historically been displaced from their ancestral lands, leading to ongoing tensions and clashes with authorities.
The government’s attempts to relocate Maasai communities have been met with resistance, with reports of violent clashes and human rights violations. Despite promises of modernization and social amenities, Maasai leaders argue that the government’s actions are motivated by profit rather than genuine concern for conservation or community well-being.