Thomson Safaris

As the Maasai people, we have a profound connection to our ancestral lands that spans centuries. Our sustainable practices and minimal farming have allowed us to coexist harmoniously with the ecosystem, preserving biodiversity and maintaining a balanced environment. However, our way of life has been severely impacted by the operations of Thomson Safaris.

 

Thomson Safaris, operated by Judi Wineland and Rick Thomson from Watertown, Massachusetts, USA, proudly boasts on their website about bringing over 25,000 people on African safaris since 1981. What they fail to acknowledge is the devastating toll it has taken on our indigenous Maasai community. Thousands of Maasai women, men, and children have been forcibly removed from their ancestral lands to accommodate the comfort of Thomson's customers.

 

While Thomson Safaris promises relaxation and enjoyment for its customers, our Maasai community has experienced evictions, hunger, family separations, and violence. Our rights and well-being have been sacrificed in the pursuit of their customers' satisfaction. This stark contrast exposes the deep injustice and hypocrisy perpetuated by Thomson Safaris.

 

Tanzania's Serengeti, a place celebrated by Thomson Safaris for its incredible wildlife, is also home to the highest concentration of indigenous Maasai people on Earth. Yet, the expansion of Thomson Safaris' activities has resulted in restricted access to our lands and water, accompanied by violent evictions and the destruction of our homes and belongings.

 

We, the Maasai people, are urgently calling on Thomson Safaris to put an end to their safari activities on our ancestral lands in Tanzania. The partnerships they boast of and their claims of community involvement have proven to be empty promises. Reports from reputable organizations like Human Rights Watch and the International Union for Conservation of Nature highlight the lack of consultation and respect for our community in the decision-making process.

 

Thomson Safaris must acknowledge their responsibility to respect our human rights and adhere to international principles. The United Nations Global Compact emphasizes the protection of human rights, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples reinforces our rights to our lands and resources. Ignoring these principles and continuing to exploit our ancestral lands is not only unethical but also a violation of our fundamental rights.

 

We will persist in asserting our rights to survival, peace, and security. We will utilize traditional and legal channels to demand an end to the documented and widely reported evictions and violations of our human rights caused by Thomson Safaris' activities. It is time for Thomson Safaris to recognize the value of our culture, heritage, and the irreplaceable biodiversity that thrives within our territories.