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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 45606, member: 636"] Congo's president has banned most land sales in the country's troubled eastern regions. Felix Tshisekedi signed the new law Tuesday to stop people from stealing property during ongoing conflicts. The rule affects areas where armed groups like M23 control territory. Officials want to protect families who fled their homes from losing their land. The government hopes this prevents future problems when displaced people return. Eastern Congo faces major security problems with many different militia groups fighting for control. Armed rebels have taken over large sections of the region. Land theft has made peace efforts harder in past conflicts. The new restrictions target areas under military siege and rebel occupation. Government leaders believe protecting property rights will help reduce tensions. The ordinance stops officials from approving new land deals over certain sizes. Governors cannot give away plots larger than five hectares to private buyers. Land transfers for properties bigger than half a hectare are banned completely. Tax collection on land has stopped in occupied zones. Creating new property records is also forbidden. Anyone who breaks these rules faces criminal charges under national law. Courts will consider any illegal land deals as invalid. The restrictions stay active until the government declares the eastern regions safe. Two senior ministers will watch over how officials follow the new rules. Congo's leaders want to shield vulnerable communities from those who might exploit the chaos. [/QUOTE]

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