The Supreme Court of Cameroon has publicly denounced corrupt practices within the Ministry of Domains, Cadastre and Land Affairs (MINDCAF), shedding light on irregularities that plague land management in the country. This denunciation took place during the judicial year opening ceremony on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, in the presence of the Prime Minister and Minister Henri Eyebe Ayissi.
The President of the Judicial Chamber of the Supreme Court, Fonkwe Joseph Fongang, exposed a series of illegal practices affecting the allocation and withdrawal of land titles. Among the irregularities highlighted were successive withdrawals and reinstatements of land titles, suggesting administrative manipulation and a lack of objectivity in decisions. The judge openly questioned the relevance of these administrative acts, implying that the minister could be misled by his staff.
The Supreme Court also highlighted problems with the interpretation and application of regulations by land registrars. Cases have been reported where a land registrar unduly extends the withdrawal of a mother land title to derived land titles, thereby altering the scope of the orders.
Furthermore, the management of expropriation for public utility is also a cause for concern. The Court recalled the constitutional and legal protections of private property, while denouncing the creation of an "expropriation for private utility," a practice not provided for by law. Even prior compensation, although guaranteed by law, has become a lengthy and complex process.
These revelations by the Supreme Court come in a context where land corruption is a recurring problem in Cameroon. In 2024, the land and land affairs sector recorded the highest number of corruption complaints, representing 24.65% of the total. In November 2025, Minister Henri Eyebe Ayissi had suspended 25 land registry officials for serious professional misconduct.
Corruption in the Cameroonian land sector is not new, but these public denunciations by the highest judicial authority highlight the urgency of reform and rigorous enforcement of laws to guarantee land security and combat impunity. MINDCAF, under the supervision of Minister Eyebe Ayissi, is responsible for implementing government policy on land, cadastral and land matters. Fighting corruption in this sector is essential to ensure equitable economic and social development in Cameroon.
