Les litiges fonciers dans le département de l’océan au Cameroun : des fondements aux tentatives de résolution (1974-2020)

Abstract

Land can be considered the foundation of all human activities (socio-economic, political, and cultural), which explains humanity’s deep desire for access to and intensive use of it. From the precolonial period to the present, land has consistently been at the center of various debates concerning its management among all involved stakeholders. This study of land disputes in the Ocean Department of Cameroon — from their origins to resolution attempts (1974–2020) — stems from observations rooted in economic, political, socio-cultural, urban planning, and environmental factors, all revolving around land acquisition, use, and security. These observations allowed us to highlight the impact of development projects, the role of various land regulations, and the actions of different actors in intensifying land disputes in the Ocean Department from 1974 to 2020. The study was made possible through the analysis of written materials (published books, journal articles, doctoral theses, master's dissertations, and archival documents), digital sources, and oral testimonies. The diversity of written and oral sources facilitated a comprehensive investigation and enabled appropriate responses to the central issue. This work reveals that land disputes in the Ocean Department are partly the result of the complexity of current land legislation, intense economic pressures, the implementation of major development projects, and most critically the failure to respect laws and agreements among different stakeholders in the study area. These factors act as catalysts, exacerbating land-related problems in the region. Land disputes reflect a complex and ambiguous administration, intertwining imported modern land laws and local customary land practices.Hence, it is urgent to reform land governance policies to significantly reduce land conflicts across the national territory. Public authorities, civil society, economic operators, traditional chiefs, and ordinary citizens must work in synergy and with integrity toward rational, efficient, and stable land governance. In addition, public authorities must establish legislation that aligns with the country's social realities.