ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the conditions for the alleviation of land and property problems in Burundi. Analyses of land problems illuminate the background to the recent violent clash that took place over the restitution of houses, as that clash constitutes a part of today's complex land and property problems in the country. The chapter provides information about the main reasons behind Burundian land conflicts, focusing particularly on the history of repeated violence and social transformation since colonial times. A number of policy measures have so far been implemented in post-conflict Burundi for the purpose of alleviating land-related problems. The chapter examines two types of policy measures directly focusing on land problems. First, policies strengthening land rights for those who are most vulnerable are analysed. Second, the activities of the Commission nationale des terres et autres biens (CNTB), a specialised conflict resolution mechanism for land and property problems deriving from previous civil wars, are examined.
