(Ecofin Agency) - The Congolese government enacted a new land law in order to shut off the legal loophole related to land occupation and acquisition as well as improve land management.

Among other rules, this law bans the acquisition of rural and customary land by foreigners, including those settled in the country under penalty of criminal prosecution.

"Rural land can only be acquired by a Congolese. When it comes to customary land previously registered by the State, only the government, local authorities, public institutions, natural or legal persons of Congolese nationality are authorized to occupy or acquire them,” explained Pierre Mabiala (photo), Minister of Land Affairs and Public Domain.

The Minister also stressed that in order to “promote farmers’ agricultural activities”, rural land occupation for agricultural purposes is not subject to any prior authorization, unlike customary land which must previously be registered.