The rapid urbanization of Bukavu, a city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, is marked by the increasing occupation of unsuitable land for construction, particularly on steep or unstable slopes. This study investigates the motivations and practices of state institutions in issuing land registration certificates on such high-risk sites, using the case of Lycée Wima Hill as a focal point. The methodology combines institutional interviews, household surveys, and document analysis. Findings highlight a land governance system characterized by institutional fragmentation, clientelist practices, technical oversight failure, and administrative tolerance of risky urbanization. At the same time, residents justify their settlement decisions on economic constraints, lack of alternative land options, and distorted risk perception. The study offers a critical reflection on the «grey legality» of urban land tenure in Bukavu and calls for land governance reform based on transparency, civic participation, and sustainable urban planning.
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