Villagers in Tanzania have filed a formal grievance with the World Bank, alleging that adequate redress has not been provided for loss of livelihoods and alleged human-rights abuses connected to a bank-funded environmental program.
Project Cancellation and Allegations
The World Bank’s Resilient Natural Resources Management for Tourism and Growth (REGROW) project, which provided $100 million to expand protected environmental areas and boost tourism, was cancelled in November 2024. This followed allegations that Tanzanian wildlife rangers committed abuses – including forced evictions, rapes and extrajudicial killings – while working on the project.
The Oakland Institute, a California-based think tank, lodged a complaint with the World Bank’s Grievance Redress Service last month on behalf of affected community members, who remain anonymous due to fears of reprisal.
Action Plan and Continued Concerns
In April 2025, the World Bank released an Action Plan intended to provide relief to affected communities. The plan included commitments to halt forced resettlement, ensure continued farming and pastoral activities, and provide livelihood support.
However, the Oakland Institute claims that, despite these pledges, abuses continue. The institute alleges that Tanzanian park rangers have killed two more locals and continue to “terrorise communities,” while restrictions on livelihoods remain in place. These claims are supported by findings from United Nations special rapporteurs and working groups.
The government of Tanzania, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has announced plans to evict inhabitants from five villages, a move the Oakland Institute says contradicts promises made by the World Bank. These relocations are expected to affect “tens of thousands of people.”
Anuradha Mittal, executive director of the Oakland Institute, stated that the World Bank, as Tanzania’s largest donor, “has the means and the leverage to end this harm and repair the devastation of lives it is responsible for.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the REGROW project intended to do?
The REGROW project aimed to expand protected environmental areas and boost tourism in Tanzania.
What prompted the World Bank’s investigation?
The World Bank launched an investigation following allegations that Tanzanian wildlife rangers committed abuses, including forced evictions, rapes, and extrajudicial killings.
What is the Oakland Institute’s role in this situation?
The Oakland Institute lodged a complaint with the World Bank’s Grievance Redress Service on behalf of affected community members and has publicly claimed that the World Bank’s efforts to provide redress have been inadequate.
What steps might the World Bank take next to address these concerns, and how might the Tanzanian government respond?
