Why Govt enforces regulations on NGOs engagement with communities

SHINYANGA: IN a decisive move to regulate the interaction between nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) and local communities, the government has issued a firm directive requiring that all NGOs and individuals claiming to be human rights activists obtain prior approval before engaging with community members.

By requiring communication and coordination, the government aims to create a framework that promotes respectful and constructive engagement, ultimately benefiting both communities and external organisations.

This announcement was made during Barrick Gold Corporation’s quarterly report presentation in Shinyanga Region, where Deputy Minister of Minerals Dr Steven Kiruswa underscored the importance of respecting Tanzania’s sovereignty.

The directive stems from growing concerns over international NGOs and activists allegedly operating clandestinely within local communities, raising questions about their accountability. Recent years have seen a wave of unsubstantiated allegations regarding human rights abuses at the North Mara mine. Investigations into these claims revealed a lack of verifiable evidence, particularly at the grassroots level.

Mark Bristow, President and CEO of Barrick Gold, emphasised the company’s commitment to transparency. He noted that allegations of human rights violations had been referred to the Tanzanian Commission of Human Rights and Good Governance, which subsequently conducted an investigation and issued a report confirming the absence of any evidence supporting these claims.

By mandating that NGOs consult with the government before conducting interviews or assessments, Tanzanian authorities aim to protect community interests and mitigate potential misunderstandings that could arise from external interventions. The government recognises the potential benefits of collaborating with NGOs but insists that such partnerships occur within a framework of mutual respect and understanding.

This directive is designed to create a cooperative environment in which NGOs can operate effectively while upholding Tanzania’s right to self-governance. By promoting transparency and accountability, the government hopes to foster trust between communities and external organisations, leading to more meaningful and sustainable development outcomes.

Engaging with communities without prior government consultation can lead to misunderstandings, erode trust, and create friction between local populations and authorities. Collaborative approaches are essential to ensure that community needs and concerns align with national policies. Involving government representatives in these discussions fosters greater transparency and accountability, ultimately benefiting the community and enhancing the effectiveness of NGO initiatives.

During the presentation, Bristow also highlighted the successful Twiga partnership between Barrick Gold and the Tanzanian government, which has created 96 per cent of job opportunities for Tanzanians within the company. He shared that Barrick contributes 51 percent of government revenue from the extractive industry, according to the latest report from the Tanzania Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative.

Equally, Bristow elaborated on the Barrick-Twiga Future Forward Education initiative, which has already financed USD 10 million for infrastructure expansion in 64 schools. This includes the construction of 396 classrooms, 97 dormitories and 600 ablution blocks. The programme’s second phase is set to launch in the fourth quarter of this year, with an additional USD 10 million investment planned for the third phase.

In a related initiative, Barrick recently inaugurated the Barrick Academy at the old Buzwagi mine, aimed at fostering a positive legacy post-mining operations. The academy offers tailored training programs designed to develop frontline managers and equip them with skills to enhance team performance. Since its launch, over 1,000 foremen, supervisors, and superintendents have undergone training, with plans to train an additional 2,000 individuals in the next two years.

The academy’s opening coincides with the construction of a new airport terminal at Buzwagi’s Kahama airstrip, which is expected to boost economic growth by facilitating scheduled airline services for over 200 passengers at a time. According to Sebastiaan Bock, Barrick’s chief operating officer for the Africa and Middle East region, the airport terminal and academy are integral to transforming Buzwagi into a Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

A feasibility study conducted in 2021 indicated that establishing the SEZ could replace the mine as the region’s economic driver, potentially creating 3,000 jobs annually and generating significant local revenue. The Tanzanian government approved the conversion of the mine into an SEZ earlier this year, prompting several investors to begin setting up manufacturing industries in the area.

“How we close our mines is just as important to us as how we build and operate them,” Bock stated. “Our Buzwagi mine was a significant economic powerhouse in the region for nearly 15 years. From our perspective, this is not the end of the story for Buzwagi; we are committed to transforming it into a productive asset that will continue to serve the community.”

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Through these initiatives and new regulations, the Tanzanian government seeks to ensure that development efforts are aligned with national priorities and community needs, ultimately fostering a sustainable path forward for both local populations and external partners.