In Marcory Zone 4, the festive atmosphere is overshadowed by a decades-old land dispute. A court decision dating from July 2023 now awards ownership of several plots to the heirs of the late Sidibé Moussa, threatening the eviction of families who have resided there for 40 years.

The origin of the conflict: a 1977 lease-purchase agreement

The case dates back to 1977, when the company SCI Lotissement Tanoh established a rent-to-own scheme for 18 employees of SODACP-MRP. According to Nanou Koffi Ta, one of the last surviving witnesses from that time, the occupants were required to pay 22,000 FCFA per month for 20 years to become homeowners. While 11 employees claim to have fulfilled their contracts, the courts nevertheless authorized the transfer of the land titles to the Sidibé family alone.

A controversial decision

The other residents are completely baffled. They claim that Sidibé Moussa himself was evicted for insolvency in 1998. Today, his heirs are claiming exclusive ownership of lots 500 L, 500 R and 500 I.

"We paid to be homeowners. How can a single family today reap the rewards of our sacrifices?" the families protested.

A legal battle

Following a petition from residents demanding a review of the case, the court was scheduled to rule on November 28th, but the hearing was cut short due to the absence of the opposing party. For their part, the children of the late Sidibé Moussa, when contacted, stated that they fully respect the court's decision and declined to comment further.