The World Bank has decided to withhold much-needed funding to Tanzania intended to develop tourism in the southern part of the African country amid allegations of killings, rape and forced evictions.

The funding being withheld represents the final US$50 million of the US$150-million budget for infrastructure developments including building roads, viewing areas and visitor centres, as well as investing in wildlife monitoring and increased security. Tanzania was due to receive a further US$50-million, having already received US$100-million of the funding.

“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,” explained a World Bank spokesperson.

The spokesman stated that the multinational development lending institution recently received information that suggests breaches of its policies in the implementation of the Regrow project and has therefore decided to suspend further disbursement of funds with immediate effect.

Investigation underway

The World Bank began investigating the allegations last year after being accused of enabling abuses around Ruaha National Park, which was due to double in size as part of its supported programme.

The Guardian reported in September 2023 that the US-based think-tank the Oakland Institute had documented a range of abuses by Tanzanian rangers against villagers accused of encroaching on the national park, including the killing of cattle herders and fishers, the confiscation of livestock and the rape of women.

In response to suspension of financing, the Oakland Institute welcomed the move saying its “long overdue” and comes a year after the World Bank was first informed of potential violations of its own policies on safeguarding in April 2023.

Anuradha Mittal, the think-tank’s executive director said the suspension “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 Institute said that despite the World Bank announcing an investigation, the Tanzanian government moved forward in October with plans to redraw the boundaries of the national park, which would result in 21,000 people facing eviction.

The institute said their research shows other abuses have also continued, including the killing of a 21-year-old cattle herder in October and seizure and sale of thousands of cattle this year.