Land disputes: Evictions and clearances must be carried out in strict compliance with the law
Land disputes: Evictions and evictions must be carried out in strict compliance with the law
In a letter sent to regional governors on 21 April 2025, the Minister of Territorial Administration (MINAT), Paul Atanga NJI, asked these administrative authorities to put an end to the use of private militias known as ‘Big Guys’ who operate illegally in the context of various disputes.
- Most of the time, these militias resort to violence and brutality of all kinds, as well as actions that seriously undermine public order.
- People are outraged by images showing people in distress being attacked by individuals without the prior agreement of the administrative authorities, whether in their homes, on undeveloped land, in a shop or in any other disputed area.
For Maître SupermannN'GANN, a lawyer at the Cameroon Bar, MINAT's letter is intended to put an end to the persistent disorder and the various excesses that ensue. ‘The enforcement of a court decision is governed by the law... any abuses suffered can be remedied’, he says.
Key figures
- Letter dated 21 April 2025 relating to the forced recovery of debts, evictions, etc.
- Act of 10 September 1997 on private security activities, amended and supplemented by the Act of 23 December 2014.
- Law of 25 July 2023 governing guarantees and the recovery of debts by public entities benefiting from the Treasury's lien.
- Article 24 of Decree no. 2023/042 of 25 January 2023 on the status and organisation of the profession of bailiff or enforcement agent.
