Parliament-Government Dialogue on Land Governance in Cameroon: A New Era TRANSFORMATIVE DIALOGUE
On 27 November 2025, the Paul Biya Glass House hosted a crucial dialogue between the Government and Parliament organized by the Network of Parliamentarians for the Sustainable Management of Central African Forest Ecosystems (REPAR). This event brought together officials from the Ministry of State Property, Surveys and Land Tenure (MINDCAF) and the GIZ Pro PFR project, and other partners around the Hon. Hilarion Etong, First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly.
Placed under the theme “Progress of the Ongoing Land tenure and State Property Reform in Cameroon”, discussions focused on the implementation of the land reform initiated by President Paul Biya. The Ministry's Secretary General, Innocent Ndilassi, in his capacity as personal representative of Minister Henri Eyebe Ayissi, emphasized the urgent need to create a standardized legal framework for effective land management.
The priorities of this reform include promoting inclusive governance, securing land rights, and formalizing access to land in order to ensure clear land certificates. Promoting the inclusion of young people and women is essential to preventing conflicts. Group work allowed participants to propose recommendations to ensure compliance with the Constitution and international human rights commitments.
MINDCAF has also launched an ambitious draft law aimed at modernizing a land tenure system that has been in place for over 51 years. The involvement of partners within the Multi-Stakeholder Consultation Platform (PMAC) is crucial to the successful completion of this reform.
However, legal challenges remain, including the harmonisation of state and customary rights. Mechanisms must be put in place to protect vulnerable groups and prevent potential abuses.
This dialogue between Parliament and the Government marks a significant step forward in addressing land issues in Cameroon. The success of this reform depends on the commitment of all stakeholders to guaranteeing secure rights and the involvement of the entire nation.
Nick Didace BEKEAKEN
