Cameroon MINDCAF: Applies New Land Reform Circulars

On September 1, 2026, in Yaoundé, Cameroon, Minister Henri Eyebe Ayissi of the Ministry of Domains, Cadastre and Land Affairs (MINDCAF) launched the immediate application of new circular letters for land governance, including circular n°0005 of August 31, 2026, concerning the designation of notables for Consultative Commissions. This significant event, held at the Regional Council of the Centre, marked a pivotal moment in Cameroon's ongoing land reform efforts, bringing together administrative authorities, traditional chiefs, and various stakeholders in the land sector. The Minister underscored the necessity of this reform, citing the limitations of the 1974 land ordinance in the face of demographic pressure, rapid urbanization, and persistent land disputes.

This initiative holds profound legal significance for practitioners, businesses, and the public, as it aims to modernize and streamline land management in Cameroon. The immediate application of the 2024-2026 circular letters and instructions, particularly circular n°0005, signals a concerted effort to enhance transparency and efficiency in land administration. For businesses, especially those in real estate, agriculture, and infrastructure development, these reforms could significantly impact land acquisition, property rights, and investment security. For the public, the changes are intended to reduce land-related conflicts and ensure more equitable access to land, aligning with the broader objectives of the National Development Strategy 2030 (SND30) and directives from the FAO.

The legal context for these reforms is rooted in the acknowledged shortcomings of the existing land framework, primarily the 1974 land ordinance, which has proven inadequate for contemporary challenges. The new circular letters and ministerial instructions, including the specific modalities for designating notables to Consultative Commissions outlined in circular n°0005, are administrative instruments designed to implement the reform agenda. The Minister also announced a rigorous evaluation during the parliamentary debate on a future land bill, indicating that these circulars are part of a broader legislative overhaul. The mandate for strict and immediate application includes maintaining updated annual files for attestations of 3rd-degree chiefdoms, adhering to commission descent scales, and submitting all ongoing land dossiers to the new rules, with non-compliance incurring sanctions.

The key parties involved in this reform include Henri Eyebe Ayissi, the Minister of MINDCAF, who presided over the special session; MINDCAF itself, as the implementing ministry; the Regional Council of the Centre, which hosted the launch; and a wide array of stakeholders such as administrative authorities, traditional chiefs, and other actors in the land chain. The reform is also guided by international best practices and frameworks, notably those from the FAO, and is integrated into Cameroon's National Development Strategy 2030 (SND30).

Practitioners, particularly those specializing in property law, real estate, and administrative law, must immediately familiarize themselves with the content and implications of the new circular letters and ministerial instructions, especially circular n°0005. It is crucial to advise clients on the updated procedures for land transactions, property registration, and dispute resolution to ensure full compliance and avoid potential sanctions. Attorneys should also closely monitor the upcoming parliamentary debate on the future land bill, as this will likely introduce further legislative changes that could significantly reshape the land tenure system in Cameroon. Proactive engagement with these reforms will be essential for navigating the evolving land governance landscape and effectively representing clients' interests.