(Ecofin Agency) - Martin Parfait Aimé Coussoud-Mavoungou, Congo’s minister for land affairs and public domain, while declaring that the government recognizes and protects customary land rights highlighted that holders of such rights would not enjoy the executive’s protection unless conforming to related regulatory procedures. He “urged the right holders to declare their rights to authorities in charge in case of expropriation resulting from the implementation of a development project in the area”, reported l’Agence d’information d’Afrique centrale (Central Africa Information Agency).

Loango is indeed home to a major economic development project involving the construction of socio-economic buildings and infrastructures that could result in the expropriation of residents.

“The 2004, 2008 and 2006 land legislations define the rules related to the State’s public domain, and those concerning land management. However, those believing to be rightful land owners must go to the administrative authority knowingly, the sub-prefect for sub-prefectures and mayors for the urban community of the area to present them customary land rights. In the situation where the declared property covers 100 hectares, the prefecture issues a provisional certificate of ownership. In case it exceeds 100 hectares, the file is passed to the ministry of land affairs which issues the decree recognizing customary and land rights. It’s only after these have been done that one can go to the cadastre which will issue cadastral documents that will help prepare preservation which will lead to the provision of land title,” the minister said.

Souha Touré