Amnesty International released a statement Wednesday condemning Tanzanian violence towards the Maasai ethnic group. Fears are mounting as the indigenous Maasai are being severely injured by Tanzanian soldiers. Tanzania is planning on using Maasai lands in endeavors such as conservation and hunting excursions. Hunting plans drafted in 1992, along with UNESCO protections, caused multiple problems for the Maasai. They had to move, and they also faced farming restrictions which caused food shortages. The Maasai, however, have not been part of any conversations with the Tanzanian government. Back in 2018 the East African Court of Justice forbade Tanzania from evacuating the Maasai from their ancestral lands for any project.

In the Loliondo area Tanzanian forces are detaining and beating Maasai protestors. A United Nations report in February raised concern surrounding Tanzania’s plans for the Maasai community. The United Nations Human Rights Office released new updates on Wednesday once again voicing fears of Tanzania’s “use of live ammunition and tear gas.” Once such incident led to the death of a police officer.

Kenyan Senator Olekina Ledama, a Maasai himself, has voiced his unwavering opposition to Tanzania’s policies. There are fears Tanzanian violence might seep into Kenya due to Kenya’s large Maasai population. Senator Ledama has called on the East African Court of Justice to take action against the perpetrators.