A 16.92-hectare plot of land in Toamasina is at the center of a land dispute. The owners claim to hold a land title and a court ruling that has yet to be executed.
In Toamasina, near the Barikadimy university campus in the Ambalamanasy commune, a plot of 16 hectares and 92 ares is currently the subject of a land dispute. According to documents presented by the heirs, this land was inherited by Tovo Rakotoarivo following a succession settlement. He claims to have subsequently acquired the shares of other co-heirs before sharing ownership with Rija Vahatraivo. The land has been occupied and cultivated for several generations.
“Since the time of our ancestors, people have lived on this land, where they practiced livestock farming and planted trees,” explains Tovo Rakotoarivo.
According to his explanation, the transfer of the 16.92-hectare plot to his name took place in 2010. He notes that due to the size of the land, other people gradually settled there over the years. To regularize the situation, a consultation process was reportedly initiated with the occupants. According to the owners, “a record was signed by 129 people.”
However, the dispute later escalated. The owners claim that several individuals settled on a portion of the land and allegedly proceeded to sell parcels to third parties. For their part, the occupants reportedly contest the property rights and have initiated proceedings to obtain the cancellation of the land title.
In Malagasy law, the land regime is governed notably by Law No. 2005-019 of October 17, 2005, which sets the principles governing land status, as well as texts relating to land registration. The land title constitutes, in principle, the legal proof of real estate ownership. However, its validity can be challenged before competent courts when an irregularity is alleged.
According to the owners, a court decision rendered in 2018 ruled in their favor. This decision reportedly ordered “the eviction of the occupants as well as the removal of plantations so that the land may be returned to its owner.” However, according to information provided by the owners, this decision has still not been executed to this day.
“All administrative and judicial procedures have been completed regarding this land. The owners feel they have suffered significant damage. They have waited for many years, and at the moment when the court decision was to be executed, they faced multiple difficulties,” concludes Me Raveloarisoa, lawyer for the owners.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-10 06:43:00 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/toamasina-un-litige-foncier-defraie-la.html