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The divergence that exists between urban planning standards, land acquisition practices and land tenure practices governs land use in the Cameroonian capital. The present research which the objective is to analyse the socio-spatial logics that lead to the increasing settlement of the populations in these so-called 'non aedificandi' spaces, is based on the hypothesis that the land practices around these mountains are characterized by a precariousness which increases the level of vulnerability of the populations living there. The research is based on a hypothetico-deductive method coupled with documentary research, semi-directive interviews, direct observations and surveys of 100 households in the Akok-Ndoué and Mbankolo neighbourhoods. It emerges that population dynamics around these mountains are fuelled by migratory movements and land saturation in urban areas, which has led to a rush of people towards the mountains, particularly in high-risk areas. In these mountains, the population finds an adequate occasion to develop several types of land tenure practices, and customary land appropriation is common. These populations are often aware that they are accessing land and housing illegally and marginally. Almost unaware of the risks involved, they usually obstinate to acquire and exploit those mountains. However, the populations in these areas qualified as non aedificandi, are exposed to landslides, collapse and floods risks. Unfortunately, ignorance and socio-economic conditions influence their perception of the risks to which they are exposed. It therefore result in an increase in their level of vulnerability which is materialized by illegal occupations and very precarious land rights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]