UN-Habitat: US Ambassador in DR Congo James C. Swan visiting the Land Administration in Rutshuru Territory

On January 7, 2014, U.S. Ambassador James C. Swan, Embassy representatives, and a USAID representative visited the territory of Rutshuru in North Kivu, which was recently freed from M23 rebel movement occupation. During his visit, the Ambassador met with local authorities, community leaders and the land administration to emphasize the importance of restoring state authority in the territory of Rutshuru for peace, reconciliation, and development. Mr. Justin Mukwanya, Administrator of Rutshuru Territory acknowledged that land disputes are an important problem, which impede the return of internal displaced persons and refugees, community recovery, peace, and development in North Kivu. Mr. Birate Nzeza, head of the local land administration office praised the support given to its office by USAID through UN-Habitat. USAID's support is assisting the provincial government to improve land governance and to comprehensively deal with complex land disputes, mainly those involving large landholders. In addition, mediation activities are creating an opportunity for cooperation between the government land administration and traditional authorities to protect community land use rights. The local land administration office is grateful for the recent donation of office supplies and equipment from UN-Habitat funded by USAID. It will allow the land administration to resume activities after 20 months of deadlock because of the war. Prior to the takeover of M23 in 2012, UN-Habitat had previously supported the land administration office in North Kivu to improve services to community members. Ambassador James C. Swan recognized the long-term importance of land for the future and the need to tackle land disputes and related issues for returns, peace, socio-economic development, and security. Since it is not just a legal problem, creativity and dialogue will be required to address it. USAID has been supporting the UN-Habitat land program in DR Congo since 2011. The major goal of the program is to contribute to peace and stability in DR Congo through land mediation and to support a comprehensive land reform process. In 2013, 215 land disputes have been registered within the land mediation program and 118 cases have been successfully mitigated through mediation; and a land reform strategic is already developed with the support of UN-Habitat.