Get real time updates directly on you device, subscribe now.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has issued a stern warning to Kenyan activists and civil society groups, accusing them of meddling in Tanzania’s internal affairs. Her remarks come amid rising concerns from Tanzanian officials over what they describe as “external interference” in the country’s political and environmental matters, particularly from neighboring Kenya-based NGOs and human rights groups.
Cross-Border Tensions Sparked by Maasai Land Rights Disputes
The root of the controversy lies in ongoing disputes over indigenous land rights, particularly involving Tanzania’s Maasai communities in areas like Loliondo and Ngorongoro. Human rights and environmental organizations in Kenya have been vocal in criticizing the Tanzanian government’s land policies, alleging forced evictions of Maasai herders to make way for conservation and tourism projects.
These concerns have led to demonstrations and statements by Kenyan activists, some of whom have taken the issue to international platforms, including the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The cross-border solidarity has intensified scrutiny on President Samia’s administration, which defends its land use decisions as legal and necessary for conservation and economic development.
President Samia: “Respect Tanzania’s Sovereignty”
Speaking during a public event in early May 2025, President Samia responded sharply to the growing chorus of criticism, saying, “Some activists from neighboring countries have decided to act as if they are the custodians of Tanzania’s affairs. Let them deal with their own issues. Tanzania is a sovereign nation and will manage its matters without foreign interference.”
Her comments, widely circulated in Tanzanian media, were seen as a direct reference to high-profile Kenyan NGOs and environmental campaigners who have been active in advocating for the Maasai cause. President Samia emphasized that all decisions made by her government are within the framework of national interest, legal authority, and sustainable development goals.
Kenyan Civil Society Pushes Back
In response to the Tanzanian president’s remarks, several Kenyan activists defended their engagement on Maasai issues, citing cross-border ethnic and cultural ties. Many Maasai communities live along the Kenya-Tanzania border, and activists argue that developments in one country inevitably affect communities in the other.
We are not meddling; we are standing in solidarity with fellow Maasai whose rights are being violated,” said a spokesperson for a Nairobi-based human rights group. “Environmental justice and indigenous rights are not confined by borders.
The Kenyan government has not officially responded to the controversy, though some legislators have voiced support for civil society’s role in highlighting human rights abuses across the region.
A Broader Debate on Civil Society and Sovereignty
This episode has ignited a broader debate in East Africa about the role of civil society in cross-border advocacy and where the line lies between solidarity and interference. While Tanzania maintains that external voices should not dictate domestic policies, human rights defenders argue that regional cooperation and advocacy are essential in a globalized world where many communities especially indigenous groups straddle borders.
Analysts note that President Samia’s warning reflects not only frustration with foreign critique but also domestic political sensitivities. Her government has faced increasing scrutiny from local and international groups over land policies, freedom of expression, and civic space. At the same time, Tanzania continues to promote itself as a stable destination for eco-tourism and investment efforts potentially jeopardized by international criticism.
Looking Ahead: Regional Relations and Civil Society Dynamics
The current tensions underscore the delicate balance East African nations must strike between asserting sovereignty and respecting the interconnected nature of regional advocacy. As Kenya and Tanzania remain key players in the East African Community (EAC), such disputes could strain diplomatic relations if not managed carefully.
Observers suggest that dialogue between governments and civil society groups, perhaps through EAC mechanisms or regional forums, could help de-escalate tensions. Meanwhile, Tanzanian activists have urged their government to focus on resolving the underlying land rights issues instead of silencing critique whether it comes from within or across the border.
In the coming months, how the Tanzanian government handles both the land rights controversies and its relationship with regional activists may serve as a test of its commitment to transparency, human rights, and regional cooperation.
