Mali's CNT creates specialized land dispute court
The National Transitional Council ratified texts establishing a new jurisdiction to handle land conflicts faster.
Mali's National Transitional Council (CNT) on Thursday, October 22, 2026, approved new laws to create a specialized court for land disputes. The CNT members voted almost unanimously, with 120 in favor, to adopt the texts that establish this new jurisdiction at the Centre international de Conférences de Bamako (CICB). This move aims to streamline the resolution of complex land-related legal cases.
Justice Minister Mamoudou Kassougué stated that land disputes are a major concern for Malian authorities due to their impact on legal certainty, investment, and social cohesion. The new specialized court will consolidate civil, administrative, and criminal competencies to process cases concerning land, titles, and related offenses more efficiently. The government previously initiated reforms, but these highlighted issues with uncoordinated case management and slow procedures.
The CNT's ratification of these ordinances signifies the Transition authorities' commitment to improving land security and modernizing dispute management. By centralizing these powers, the state intends to reduce jurisdictional conflicts and boost citizen confidence in the land justice system. The adopted texts cover the court's organization, powers, and operational rules.
Why it mattersMalian citizens and investors will benefit from a faster and more coherent system for resolving land disputes.