Strategic Litigation

At the core of our work is the conviction that the law can be a force for liberation. We identify and litigate cases with the potential to set legal precedents, secure community rights, and catalyze systemic change. Our cases range from defending against illegal land seizures to challenging the constitutionality of discriminatory laws.

We operate on two levels: within Tanzania’s national courts and at the East African Court of Justice. This dual strategy ensures that our cases are both locally rooted and regionally reinforced.

You will find below a summary of key court cases, ongoing or closed.

Tanzanian Court Cases

Ndalamia Partareto Taiwap & 4 Others v. Minister of Natural Resource and Tourism & Another Misc. Civil Application No. 21 of 2022 — Judgment: 19 September 2023

Applicants sought judicial review of the Minister’s declaration of 1,502 sq. km of land as the Pololeti Game Controlled Area, arguing it was done without the legally required consultation. The Court agreed, holding that the declaration was made contrary to law and without mandatory consultation. Read the High Court Judgement: [PDF is linked: “Civil Cause 21 of 2022.”]

Latan’gamwaki Ndwati & 7 Others v. The Attorney General Misc. Civil Application No. 178 of 2022 — Judgment: 22 August 2023

The High Court issued preservatory orders allowing the community to access the disputed area pending final determination of the case. Despite these orders, the Government continued seizing livestock and pressing charges against community members, in clear defiance of the Court’s directive. Read the High Court Judgement: [PDF is linked: “Civil App. No 178 of 2022.”]

Latan’gamwaki Ndwati & 7 Others v. Raymond Mangwala & 4 Others Misc. Civil Application No. 106 of 2023 — Judgment: 8 April 2024

Applicants brought contempt proceedings against government officials, including Raymond Mangwala, then district Commissioner for Ngorongoro District for defying Court orders permitting pastoralists access to Pololeti pending the outcome of the main case in Misc. Civil Cause No. 18 of 2023. The Court dismissed the application, stating it lacked jurisdiction to enforce its own orders highlighting a troubling inability to ensure compliance in cases involving strong government interest. Read the Ruling: [PDF is linked:“Civil App. 106 of 2023.”

East African Court of Justice Cases

Ololosokwan Village Council & Another v. Attorney General Appeal No. 13 of 2022

Four Maasai villages Ololosokwan, Kirtalo, Oloirien, and Arash sued the Tanzanian Attorney General (Reference No. 10 of 2017), alleging forced eviction by state security forces and Otterlo Business Corporation security between August and November 2017.

. First Instance (25 September 2018):

In Application No. 15 of 2017 (arising from the main reference), the EACJ issued interim orders halting evictions, destruction of homes, livestock seizures, and police harassment in what is now Pololeti Game Reserve.

. First Instance Judgment (30 September 2022):

The Court dismissed the main claim, ruling the evictions were lawful and that the applicants failed to prove the land status and eviction claims, describing the evidence as “insufficient, contradictory, or hearsay.”

. Appeal (29 November 2023):

The Appellate Division found procedural errors in the First Instance decision and ordered a retrial, directing the lower division to properly consider all material evidence that could have altered the outcome a major legal victory for the Maasai communities.
Read the Appellate division Judgement:
[PDF is linked: “Reference No 10 of 2017”]
[PDF is linked: “Application No 15 of 2017.”]
[PDF is linked “Appeal No 13 of 2022.”]

Tanzanian Court Cases & East African Court of Justice Cases

Tanzanian Court Cases

East African Court of Justice Cases