Compulsory land acquisition is inevitable for developing countries so that they can implement projects in urban areas for the quest of sustainable urban development. However, the decisions on land acquisition have to be contextualised so that the PAPs should be protected from disruptions and loss of livelihoods that may lead to uncertain sustainable urban development. This paper examines two projects implemented in Bujumbura City through compulsory land acquisition. A desk review and checklist question have been mobilised to collect data that are source of information presented herein.

Context and backgroundIn Senegal, the rise in land disputes leads to questions about the place of the administration judge in the protection of the land rights of citizens. Indeed, most of the conflicts that arise either between farmers and herders, or between populations and private investors, are often resolved through alternative methods, namely conciliation or land mediation. Some conclude that there is a “preponderance” of alternative modes of resolving land disputes over jurisdictional modes.

 To benefit from the underutilised potential of urban land resources, the introduction and improvement of land registration and cadastral systems have been advocated. However, evidence from empirical research in a number of developing economies including those in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) continues to show mixed or inconclusive outcomes from the implementation and operations of such systems.