Renthia Kaimbi
A resolution by the Dâure-Daman Traditional Authority to evict tourism operator Ultimate Safaris from the Sorris Sorris conservancy is now in limbo. This comes after the state confirmed the removal of former chief Zacharias Seibeb just two days after he signed it.
On 11 November 2025, Seibeb and his council met in Khorixas and agreed to take legal action to remove Ultimate Safaris from its camp on communal land.
The resolution, seen by this publication, authorised Seibeb to appoint lawyers and represent the traditional authority in court.
The dispute stems from tensions between tourism activities and proposed mining in the area.
The traditional authority claims it pushed for coexistence but says Ultimate Safaris refused to engage and rejected any mining plans.
The authority said Ultimate Safaris threatened legal action instead of holding talks.
The council stated that Ultimate Safaris is running the Camp Doros without legal authorisation on communal land and that the company lacks valid leasehold rights under the Communal Land Reform Act.
The resolution instructed the chief to pursue eviction under section 43, which deals with unlawful occupation of communal land.
It also granted Seibeb personal authority to initiate legal action and to submit affidavits on behalf of the Dâure-Daman Traditional Authority.
Two days later, the plan was thrown off course.
On 13 November 2025, urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa informed Seibeb that President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah had recognised his removal as chief.
The removal was formalised through a proclamation in the government gazette dated 31 October 2025.
Sankwasa’s letter states that Seibeb is no longer permitted to carry out any duties in the role of chief.
When contacted, Seibeb said he was not ready to comment on his removal.
His ousting raises legal questions about the future of the eviction case.
The resolution is rooted in his role as chief, a role he officially lost 48 hours after signing it. It is unclear whether the resolution remains valid, whether Seibeb can still act on it, or whether the process must be restarted by a new leadership structure.
The uncertainty leaves the case against Ultimate Safaris in limbo and raises questions about who now represents the Dâuredaman community in the dispute over communal land.
