Tanzania has given Kenyan pastoralist seven-day notice to move out their livestock from gazetted land in Loliondo forest.
It is estimated that there are more than 6, 000 cows belonging to Kenyan Maasai in Loliondo Forest.
Hundreds of farmers from Kenya who have been tilling the land with more than 200 tractors have also been ordered to leave.
The notice was issued by Tanzanian Natural Resources and Tourism Minister Hamisi Kigwangalla, on October 19.
It took effect on the same date.
“This has caused a lot of damage to the environment. I am now giving the 7 days to pack and leave, failure to which the government will confiscate the more than 200 tractors and over 6, 000 livestock belonging to Kenyans, which will be auctioned by the state,” said Kigwangalla in a statement to the Star.
In January this year, the then National Resources and Tourism Minister, Jumanne Maghembe gazetted 1,500 square km which the government set aside for the preservation of the environment.
During the same time, Maghembe also set aside 2, 500 sq km of land for public utility.