Ethnic conflicts in Tarime district from late pre-Colonial period to the present
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Date
2007
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
This study examines the causes, magnitude and impact of ethnic and inter-clan conflicts in Tarime district from late pre-colonial period to the year 2006. It also looks into the measures taken to resolve these conflicts. The study draws on secondary, archival and oral sources. The study found that the culture of the people, specifically ethnic and clans' identities, the belief of the people concerning traditional land, traditional tales, cattle thefts, dances and ritual practices, was transmitted to successive generations, thereby increasing ethnic and clan consciousness and animosity between these groups. This gave rise to different inter-ethnic and inter-clan conflicts from time to time. The setting of chiefdoms and village boundaries violated the belief of the people concerning traditional land and boundaries, and separated some individuals from their clans, thereby affecting their ritual practices. Being dissatisfied with this situation, different clans have been fighting to restore their traditional land. The study also observed that conflicts were a result of the failure on the part of the government to exercise fairness, implement its decisions, observe human rights, consult its people when formulating its plan and establish proper linkages between its various sections. Conflicts resulted in death and injuries of people, displacement of people, loss and destruction of property, disturbance of peace and harmony and general economic stagnation. The magnitude of conflicts intensified progressively as the people of Tarirne moved from the pre-colonial through the colonial to the post-independence period. Measures taken to resolve conflicts ranged from traditional methods of formal negations and blood reconciliations to the use of legal procedures and consensus meetings under the tutelage of the state. The study concludes that, in spite of the increase in the magnitude and impact of the conflicts, those responsible for resolving them have little clue as to the causes, magnitude and impacts of these conflicts. The measures taken to resolve the conflicts have been reactive, deficient and ineffective. The conflicts have therefore escalated, which gives the lie to the reputation of Tanzania as an island of peace in Africa.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr.Wirbert Chagula Library, Class mark (THS EAF GN495.4.T34R24)
Keywords
Ethnic groups, Conflict management, Tanzania, Tarime district, From late pre-colonial to the present
Citation
Ramadhani, I (2007) Ethnic conflicts in Tarime district from late pre-Colonial period to the present, Masters dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam.