Cameroun: Village Chiefs to Issue Provisional Land Titles from April 1, 2026 LIBREVILLE, Cameroun — Starting April 1, 2026, village chiefs in Cameroun will be authorized to issue provisional land titles, a move announced by the government on Monday and set to reshape land rights and governance in the country, according to the Agence camerounaise de Presse.
The reform, outlined in a letter signed by the Minister of Domains, Cadastre, and Land Affairs on February 20, aims to decentralize land management and strengthen the security of land parcels, particularly in rural areas. Under the new system, traditional authorities will be able to issue two types of documents: the Attestation de reconnaissance des droits fonciers coutumiers (ARDFC) and the Attestation de jouissance paisible des terres (AJPTER).
These documents will serve as proof of occupation or exploitation of a plot before obtaining a definitive land title.
The government intends for this reform to reduce land disputes and better recognize customary land rights.
However, the announcement has also sparked concerns among legal experts and civil society actors, who warn of potential corruption, injustice, and increased land conflicts in villages.
In a country where land disputes are common, the implementation of this reform is being closely watched by the public and observers.
The reform is seen by some as a step towards modernizing the land tenure system and providing legal recognition to traditional land rights. Critics argue that it may not adequately address the concerns of marginalized communities and could lead to further land disputes.
The reform is also seen as a potential way to expedite land acquisition for development projects, which could lead to conflicts over land use.
As of now, officials have not yet commented on the specifics of the reform and its potential impacts. Further details are expected as the reform approaches its implementation date.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 4*
