The World Bank has suspended tourism funding in southern Tanzania following allegations of killings, sexual violence, and forced evictions.
The bank launched an investigation last year after reports of abuses around Ruaha national park, which was due to be expanded in size as part of a World Bank-supported scheme.
“The World Bank is deeply concerned about the allegations of abuse and injustice related to the Resilient Natural Resources Management for Tourism and Growth (Regrow) project in Tanzania,” said a World Bank spokesperson.
“We have recently received information that suggests breaches of our policies in the implementation of the Regrow project. We have therefore decided to suspend further disbursement of funds with immediate effect.”
Having received $100million of the funding, Tanzania was due to receive a another $50million. The funds were expected to be used for road construction, increased security, vintage viewing spots, visitor centres, and wildlife monitoring.
Last year in September, the US-based research body, the Oakland Institute documented a range of abuses by Tanzanian rangers against residents accused of encroaching on the national park. This included the killing of cattle herders and fishermen, the seizure of livestock and the rape of women.
Recently, thousands of Maasai have been gathering around the borders between Tanzania and Kenya following Tanzanian government eviction plans from their ancestral lands in the northern town of Loliondo.
Over 2,000 Maasai crossed the border between the two countries after the outbreak of violence on June 10, according to Kenyan activists’ count.
According to the United Nations, the expulsion of Loliondo residents in the northern district of Ngorongoro threatens more than 70,000 people.
The Oakland Institute welcomed the “long overdue” decision, which came a year after the World Bank was first informed of likely abuses of its policies on safeguarding in April 2023.
The thinktank’s executive director Anuradha Mittal, said: “It sends a resounding message to the Tanzanian government that there are consequences for its rampant rights abuses taking place across the country to boost tourism. The days of impunity are finally coming to an end.”
The Oakland said their research indicates that other abuses have also continued, including the killing of a 21-year-old cattle herder in October, and the seizure and sale of thousands of cattle this year.
The Tanzanian government has yet to make an official statement on the matter, as of the time of this publication.