Democratic Republic of Congo's Minister of Justice, Guillaume Ngefa, has called for strict enforcement of the law against grabbing of state land. This follows a reported case of encroachment on Kikwit airport premises in the southwestern province of Kwilu. The minister stated that it is time for the law to be rigorously applied against those grabbing state assets, citing the principle of inalienability of public domain assets.
Minister Ngefa disclosed that an inter-ministerial commission, headed by him, is conducting an inventory of public land grabbing cases nationwide. This aims to enable the state to reclaim illegally occupied land. During his visit to Kikwit airport, city mayor Charlotte Lula informed him of private constructions encroaching on airport premises, reducing safety zones around the runway and raising aviation security concerns.
Mayor Lula cited a 1953 Régie des voies aériennes (RVA) sketch, highlighting differences between historical airport boundaries and the current situation, marked by increased housing. She requested verification of conditions under which concerned plots were sold and land documents issued. The mayor also reported alleged land sales by an individual claiming to be a traditional chief, asserting rights over the areas.
Minister Ngefa emphasized that prosecutors can take up cases of suspected infractions to establish responsibility and initiate legal proceedings. He also underscored the role of land administration and cadastral services in verifying the regularity of land transactions and issuing property documents. The minister cited judicial measures taken in Muanda, Kongo Central province, against mangrove destruction and illegal constructions in protected areas.
The minister's visit is part of his inspection tour in Kwango and Kwilu provinces, evaluating judicial institution functioning and aligning national justice policy with ground realities. This move demonstrates the government's commitment to addressing land grabbing and related issues. The minister's call for firm action aligns with efforts to protect public assets and the environment.
Local authorities and residents have expressed concerns over the rampant land grabbing, which poses security risks and undermines state authority. The situation in Kikwit highlights the need for effective land management and enforcement of existing laws. By taking concrete actions, the government aims to recover grabbed land and prevent future occurrences.
The inter-ministerial commission's inventory and the minister's visit reflect a broader strategy to tackle land grabbing and promote responsible land use. As the government moves forward, it will be crucial to balance the need for land recovery with the rights and interests of affected communities, ensuring a fair and equitable resolution to these complex issues.
Key points
- DR Congo's Justice Minister Guillaume Ngefa has launched a crackdown on state land grabbing, starting with a reported case in Kikwit's airport area.
