Access to land and land tenure security in a context of population displacement in the Kalehe territory, South Kivu

Introduction Forced displacement in Kalehe Territory (South Kivu, DR Congo), driven by armed conflicts, floods, landslides, and climate change, severely disrupts land access and tenure security. The coexistence of customary and state land systems (legal dualism) creates persistent uncertainty, while existing studies inadequately address how internally displaced persons (IDPs) navigate land acquisition amid prolonged settlement and elite influence. Objective This study explores how IDPs access and secure land under such legal pluralism, and how displacement reshapes land competition and power dynamics between IDPs, host communities, customary authorities, and local elites. Methods Using an inductive approach, it explores how internally displaced persons (IDPs) negotiate access to land in an environment marked by overlapping customary and state land tenure regimes, demographic pressure and ethno-cultural diversity. Results The study reveals that land security for IDPs depends on economic strategies, customary mechanisms such as marriage alliances, and the intervention of local elites and administrative authorities, while being constantly limited by identity tensions and institutional constraints. Conclusion This research fills gaps in our understanding of local land dynamics and provides a basis for reforming land governance in contexts of protracted displacement. It also highlights the urgent need for inclusive land governance to prevent conflicts and strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities.