In a significant move to protect its property rights, the Société immobilière et foncière du Mali (SIFMA-SA) has successfully had an individual detained and six others are being actively sought by the authorities for illegally occupying its land in Missabougou. The land in question, located behind the Hôpital du Mali, was ceded to SIFMA-SA by the Malian State in 2003 and 2004.
According to reports, the SIFMA-SA acquired a 24-hectare domain comprising six land titles (TF 10918 to 10923) on the outskirts of the TienCoulou hill in Missabougou. The land was intended for a housing program for Malian citizens. Despite having definitive court decisions and all necessary administrative documents, including a final authorization to divide the land and a certificate of habitability, the site has been subject to illegal occupation and speculation.
The SIFMA-SA had previously taken action in 2019 and 2020, demolishing several dozen houses and other structures built on the land. However, certain unscrupulous land speculators continue to deceive honest citizens, taking advantage of their legitimate desire to own land and build homes. One notable case involves Moussa Dembélé, who was ordered by the prosecutor of Commune VI to halt construction on the site but allegedly ignored the warning.
Following his defiance of the prosecutor's order, Moussa Dembélé was reportedly involved in an incident where he arranged for a crane to remove SIFMA-SA's electric poles, which had live cables. This action reportedly provoked the authorities, leading to his detention and placement under a warrant. The SIFMA-SA estimates that the prejudice caused by these illegal occupations is substantial, amounting to several hundred million FCFA, nearly reaching a billion FCFA.
The SIFMA-SA has announced that it will no longer adopt a pedagogical approach, instead opting to pursue legal actions and involve high administrative and political authorities to protect its investments and property rights, which are constitutionally guaranteed in Mali. The case highlights the challenges faced by the Malian justice system in addressing land disputes and the importance of protecting property rights.
The incident underscores the complexities of land ownership and the need for effective measures to prevent illegal occupation and speculation. The authorities' efforts to address the issue and ensure that those responsible are held accountable are crucial in maintaining the rule of law and protecting the rights of legitimate landowners.
The SIFMA-SA's proactive measures to safeguard its properties reflect the organization's commitment to upholding its rights and interests. The outcome of this case will likely have implications for future land disputes in Mali and the effectiveness of the country's legal framework in resolving such issues.
Key points
- One person detained and six others sought for illegal land occupation in Missabougou.
- The SIFMA-SA estimates the prejudice caused by illegal occupations at several hundred million FCFA.
- The case highlights the challenges faced by the Malian justice system in addressing land disputes.
