Why Govt suspended land power of attorney transactions

The National Land Authority (NLA) has temporarily suspended the use of powers of attorney in land transfers, raising questions about the imp...

The National Land Authority (NLA) has temporarily suspended the use of powers of attorney in land transfers, raising questions about the implications for legitimate property owners. According to the NLA, existing powers of attorney will not be automatically revoked but will now undergo stricter verification before use in any land transaction. “The power of attorney remains valid, but notaries are now required to perform additional verification,” said Marie-Grâce Nishimwe, the NLA Director General and Chief Registrar of Land Titles. “This includes confirming the landowner’s consent through email, video call, or proof that they were in the country when the document was issued.” ALSO READ: Land authority suspends use of power of attorney in land transfers If verification confirms authenticity, the transaction may proceed. However, if doubts arise, the landowner could be asked to issue a new power of attorney through Rwandan embassies abroad or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINAFFET). Nishimwe said landowners can contact NLA zonal offices for guidance on individual cases, emphasising that the goal is to protect genuine owners without halting legitimate transactions. The suspension, which took effect on October 16, follows a surge in fraudulent land transfers involving falsified powers of attorney. “We have seen cases where land appeared to have been sold through forged documents,” Nishimwe said. “To safeguard land rights and promote tenure security, we decided to suspend their use temporarily.” The directive applies only to powers of attorney issued within Rwanda. Those prepared abroad remain valid if they comply with Rwandan legal standards. ALSO READ: Rwandan Diaspora urged to use online power of attorney for property transfers Officials said the suspension will remain in place until the Ministry of Justice launches a new electronic notary system early next year. The platform will allow notarial services to be conducted digitally using secure electronic signatures and seals to enhance document integrity and traceability. Nishimwe added that with decentralised land services and a growing network of licensed private notaries, citizens no longer need intermediaries to handle property transfers. “With notarial services available countrywide, citizens can process transactions in person,” she said. “This will improve transparency and protect landowners from fraud.” Exceptions will be made for people unable to appear in person, such as prisoners or those under exceptional circumstances. ALSO READ: What happens when your land lease expires? “Inmates will continue to use the existing process, where authorities issue an accompanying letter alongside the power of attorney,” Nishimwe explained. “This ensures legitimate transactions within correctional facilities remain verified.” Local notaries across the country have welcomed the decision, describing it as timely and necessary to curb rising fraud. Marie Josee Icyitegetse, a notary in Karongi District, said some colleagues have encountered forged documents. “On our professional platforms, notaries have reported cases where people presented fake powers of attorney claiming to represent landowners,” she said. In Rubavu District, notary Eric Akimana said most fraudulent attempts are detected early. “Some bring IDs that don’t match the land title or power of attorney details,” he said. “Verification through the system often reveals they aren’t the real owners.” ALSO READ: Rwanda to deploy new system for improved land services According to the Rwanda Land Dashboard, the country has more than 11.9 million registered land parcels. Of these, over 33,000 are under dispute, 56,000 are caveated, and 159,000 are mortgaged. While the temporary suspension may delay some property transfers, the NLA insists it is a necessary safeguard. “This measure is about protecting genuine landowners and restoring public trust in property transactions,” Nishimwe said. “Once the e-notary system is operational, land transfers will become faster, safer, and fully traceable.”

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