Tanzania has dismissed as “unfounded” allegations of human rights abuses, including killings, rapes, and forced evictions of over 20,000 people, in its national parks. The allegations had led the World Bank to suspend funding for a $150 million conservation project.
Government spokesman Mobhare Matinyi told AFP that preliminary investigations had revealed that the allegations were not true. “We are now waiting for our colleagues at the World Bank to supply their proof on the subject,” he said.
Matinyi emphasized that Tanzania does not violate human rights in any development project. “We are seriously concerned about people’s rights and dignity,” he added.
The World Bank had launched the Resilient Natural Resource Management for Tourism and Growth Project (REGROW) in 2017 to improve the management of natural resources and tourism assets in southern Tanzania. At least $100 million has been disbursed for the project.
However, the Oakland Institute, a California-based think tank, raised allegations in September of forced evictions and rights abuses, including killings and sexual assaults of communities living near Ruaha national park, which the government is planning to expand as part of the scheme.
Tanzania has denied these allegations, and Matinyi expressed surprise at the World Bank’s decision to suspend funding. “We hope that the World Bank will review its decision and continue supporting our efforts to protect our natural resources and promote tourism,” he said.
Despite the allegations, Tanzania said it remains committed to protecting its national parks and promoting tourism, which generated $3.37 billion in revenue in 2023. The country is renowned for its spectacular wildlife parks, including the Serengeti, and its tourism sector is a significant contributor to its economy.