Introduction

Today, as in the past, land remains one of the main causes of both domestic and international conflicts. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, land disputes account for a significant proportion of cases before the courts, largely due to the shortcomings of the legal framework that previously governed land administration. To modernise the system and strengthen land tenure security, the country enacted Law No. 25/026 of 30 December 2025, amending and supplementing Law No. 73-021 of 20 July 1973 on property, land tenure, real estate, and security interests. Commonly known as the N’Sele Law, in recognition of its initiator, O’Neige N’Sele, Minister of Land Affairs, this legislation introduces several major reforms.

Digitalisation of Land Administration

The digitalisation of land administration modernises public services, enhances the security of land titles, helps prevent corruption and the issuance of multiple titles for the same parcel of land, and improves transparency and traceability. To ensure its success, land administration staff must receive comprehensive training and develop the digital skills required to manage the new system effectively. Once fully implemented, digitalisation will make land services more accessible, allowing Congolese citizens to obtain land-related services regardless of where they live, without the need to travel.

Mandatory Conciliation Before Court Proceedings

The new law introduces mandatory conciliation before a land dispute can be brought before the courts. This procedure makes it possible to verify the validity of land titles and resolve disputes that can be settled without litigation, thereby reducing the burden on the judicial system. To make this reform effective, a land inspection office should be established in every province, following the model of the labour inspectorate. Without these institutions, many disputes may remain unresolved despite the law already being in force.

Recognition of Customary Land Rights

After many years of legal exclusion, traditional authorities are now formally recognised as stakeholders in the management of community land. This reform bridges the long-standing divide between statutory and customary land law. As a result, it strengthens the land rights of local communities, promotes their participation in land governance, reduces conflicts over customary land, preserves traditional land practices and heritage, and improves land governance through stronger cooperation between state institutions and customary authorities.

Conclusion

Given the overwhelming number of land disputes before the Congolese courts and the rapid development of digital technologies, this reform represents a timely and commendable initiative. Its provisions are both corrective and inclusive, offering practical solutions to long-standing challenges. The successful implementation of this law will be essential to achieving a more secure, transparent, and efficient land administration system in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.