Gender-Based Violence and Child Abuse Crisis
Rising incidents of femicides, child abuse, and infanticide are prompting government and civil society responses amid growing public alarm over systemic violence.
Over 200 reported femicides since 2023 and a marked increase in child abuse cases have triggered national outcry and urgent calls for protection reforms.
- Claims
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- 13
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- 13
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- 7h ago
14-day activity 11 claims · peak 8/day
Source diversity 13 outlets
- Journal du Cameroun - English - Breaking News, Cameroon, Africa and World News
- About Us – Radio Ndarason International
- News in Cameroon, infos and news | Cameroon-Tribune
- CameroonInsider | Breaking News Cameroon
- CAP-News : Cameroon Premium News – Le Cameroun en temps réel
- Breaking News Bilingue - #1 Source for Bilingual News Excellence In Cameroon
- Cameroon Concord — Independent Cameroon News | Cameroon Concord
- Chad: news, podcasts, videos and analysis - RFI
- Cameroon Concord News – You Are What You Read
- Journalducameroun.com - Actualités et Infos en direct au Cameroun et dans le Monde
- Home - AGP - Agence Gabonaise de Presse
- NTV (Néotempra Television) - The voice of Cameroonians from near and far
- The Guardian Post
Claims under this topic 32 of 32
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Cameroonian public secondary school teachers in Douala face high levels of professional burnout due to excessive workloads, low pay, and lack of protection against classroom violence.
"A scientifically documented reality shows that a staggering 78.8% of public secondary school teachers in Douala, Cameroon suffer from professional burnout, with 53.4% reporting total emotional exhaustion."
A scientifically documented reality shows that 78.8% of public secondary school teachers in Douala, Cameroon suffer from professional burnout, with 53.4% reporting total emotional exhaustion.
📍 Douala, Douala II, Communauté urbaine de Douala, Wouri, Littoral, Cameroon affects civilianseconomic indicator -
The Speaker of Cameroon's National Assembly, Theodore Datouo, condemns rising cases of femicide and infanticide and calls for collective action to address social violence.
"“I hereby appeal to all and sundry to act responsibly, have greater recourse to dialogue in family circles, vigilance at community level and to republican institutions so that our society will continue to respect human dignity and the sacred nature of human life,” Datouo underscored."
The Speaker of the National Assembly expresses concern over recent cases of femicide and infanticide, urging families, communities, and institutions to act responsibly and prioritize dialogue to protect human life.
📍 Yaoundé, Mfoundi, Centre, Cameroon violent eventaffects civiliansgovernment actionmentions named actorhumanitarian response -
The Cameroonian government launches a national child protection campaign during the school holidays to address risks of violence, exploitation, and abuse.
"À l’occasion d’un point de presse tenu le 30 juin 2026 à Yaoundé, la ministre de la Promotion de la Femme et de la Famille, Marie-Thérèse Abena Ondoa, a officiellement lancé la campagne nationale « Je protège l’enfant partout, fais de même »."
The government, through the Ministry of Women and Family Promotion, launches a campaign titled "Je protège l’enfant partout, fais de même" to safeguard children during school holidays.
📍 Yaoundé affects civiliansgovernment actionmentions named actorhumanitarian response -
The National Assembly expressed indignation regarding a recent increase in femicide and infanticide cases across Cameroon.
"The National Assembly expressed total indignation regarding a fresh outburst of femicide and infanticide cases, reminding the public that protecting women and children remains a collective responsibility."
The National Assembly expressed total indignation regarding a fresh outburst of femicide and infanticide cases, reminding the public that protecting women and children remains a collective responsibility.
violent eventaffects civiliansgovernment action -
The Ministry of Youth and Civic Education and the Association of Young People for the Protection of Human Rights and Freedoms conduct a public awareness campaign in Yaoundé to address rising violence against children during school holidays.
"Le ministère de la Jeunesse et de l’Éducation civique (MINJEC) et l’Association des Jeunes pour la Protection des Droits de l’Homme et des Libertés ont organisé, le 15 juillet, une campagne de sensibilisation au carrefour Damas, à Yaoundé."
The MINJEC and a youth rights group organize a campaign in Yaoundé amid a reported 40% increase in child abductions and rising cases of violence, abuse, and exploitation during holidays.
📍 Yaoundé, Mfoundi, Centre, Cameroon violent eventaffects civiliansgovernment actionmentions named actorhumanitarian response -
Cameroonian authorities report 50 femicides and 13 infanticides between January and April 2026, describing the trend as a worsening public safety issue.
"Des responsabilités déplorent par ailleurs une « funeste tendance à la hausse » des féminicides et infanticides, avec 50 féminicides et 13 infanticides enregistrés de janvier à avril 2026."
Authorities document a rising number of femicides and infanticides in early 2026, with 50 and 13 cases respectively, signaling a deteriorating protection environment for women and infants.
📍 Cameroon violent eventaffects civilians -
Cameroon reports a 40% increase in child abductions during the 2025 holiday period, with 23 cases recorded compared to 16 the previous year.
"les cas d’enlèvements d’enfants ont bondi de 40 % durant cette période en 2025, avec 23 signalements recensés contre 16 l’année précédente."
Security forces report a significant rise in child abductions during holidays, from 16 to 23 cases year-on-year in 2025, highlighting increased risks for children outside school supervision.
📍 Cameroon violent eventaffects civilianseconomic indicator -
Two teachers were killed in the Far North region—one in Modoko due to suspected Boko Haram attacks and another in Maroua by motorcycle thieves—highlighting ongoing security risks for education personnel.
"Récemment, deux enseignants ont tragiquement perdu la vie : l’un à Modoko, dans le Mayo-Tsanaga, en raison d’attaques présumées des éléments de Boko Haram, et l’autre à Maroua, tué par des voleurs de motos."
Récemment, deux enseignants ont tragiquement perdu la vie : l’un à Modoko, dans le Mayo-Tsanaga, en raison d’attaques présumées des éléments de Boko Haram, et l’autre à Maroua, tué par des voleurs de motos.
📍 Modoko, Mayo-Tsanaga and Maroua, Far North region, Cameroon violent eventaffects civilians -
Women in multiple Anglophone regions of Cameroon mobilize against drug trafficking and gender-based violence, citing rising youth addiction and recent violent crimes.
"Recent mass demonstrations in the Northwest and Southwest regions, particularly in towns like Bangem and Tombel, highlight a breaking point for local communities... Local data from the Ministry of Health and the National Drug Control Committee underscore the terrifying scale of the narcotics epidemic facing the country."
Women across Northwest and Southwest regions, including Tombel, Mamfe, and Manyu, protest rising drug use and GBV, invoking traditional rituals and citing local data showing up to 70% of youth aged 12–15 using drugs in some areas.
📍 Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon affects civilianshumanitarian responseprotest or demonstration -
Cameroon has implemented legal mechanisms to secure women's access to land and independent financial systems as part of its female empowerment initiatives.
"the country has instituted legal mechanisms to secure women's access to land and independent financial systems."
The country has instituted legal mechanisms to secure women's access to land and independent financial systems.
📍 Cameroon affects civiliansgovernment actioneconomic indicator -
Human Rights Watch reports that violence against women and girls remains rampant in Cameroon despite government promises to address it.
"The report highlights that despite numerous promises made by the Biya regime to address this critical issue, the situation remains dire and largely unaddressed."
HRW's report highlights ongoing systemic failure by Cameroonian authorities to protect women and girls from violence, underscoring government inaction and neglect.
📍 Cameroon violent eventaffects civiliansgovernment action -
Armed groups continue to attack civilian infrastructure in the Far North, including schools and health centers, disrupting essential services.
"The organization also recorded nine incidents involving improvised explosive devices, as well as attacks on two schools and four integrated health centers."
OCHA recorded attacks on two schools and four integrated health centers in the first quarter of 2026 amid ongoing violence in the region.
📍 Far North region violent eventaffects civiliansdisplacement eventhumanitarian response -
Civilian casualties and abductions in the Far North region increase in early 2026 due to ongoing raids by non-state armed groups.
"“According to OCHA, 104 people were killed, 123 wounded and 128 abducted in the first quarter of 2026.”"
OCHA reports 104 people killed, 123 wounded, and 128 abducted in the first quarter of 2026 in Mayo-Tsanaga, Mayo-Sava, and Logone-et-Chari.
📍 Mayo-Tsanaga, Mayo-Sava and Logone-et-Chari divisions violent eventaffects civiliansdisplacement eventhumanitarian response -
30% of girls in Cameroon's Far North region are victims of female genital mutilation, according to the Ministry of Women and Family Promotion.
"D'après les statistiques du ministère de la Promotion de la Femme et de la Famille, 30 % des filles subissent de mutilations génitales."
D'après les statistiques du ministère de la Promotion de la Femme et de la Famille, 30 % des filles subissent de mutilations génitales. Ce problème demeure, même après l’adoption de lois visant à prévenir, décourager et punir les responsables.
📍 Extrême-Nord du Cameroun violent eventaffects civilians -
The Cameroonian government has laws criminalizing female genital mutilation, with penalties ranging from 10 to 20 years in prison, or life imprisonment if the victim dies.
"Le Cameroun a adopté des lois pour sanctionner les mutilations sexuelles et protéger les jeunes filles. Selon la Loi n° 2016/007 du 12 juillet 2016 (Code pénal, art. 277 et suivants), l’excision est punie de 10 à 20 ans de prison, voire à perpétuité si la victime décède."
Le Cameroun a adopté des lois pour sanctionner les mutilations sexuelles et protéger les jeunes filles. Selon la Loi n° 2016/007 du 12 juillet 2016 (Code pénal, art. 277 et suivants), l’excision est punie de 10 à 20 ans de prison, voire à perpétuité si la victime décède.
📍 Cameroon affects civiliansgovernment action -
Local associations in Cameroon's Far North region are intensifying awareness workshops to combat female genital mutilation and encourage victims to speak out.
"Les associations locales intensifient leurs ateliers de sensibilisation auprès des familles et communautés afin de dénoncer cette pratique."
Les associations locales intensifient leurs ateliers de sensibilisation auprès des familles et communautés afin de dénoncer cette pratique. De plus en plus de victimes prennent la parole, mettant fin au silence et incitant d’autres jeunes filles à se prémunir.
📍 Extrême-Nord du Cameroun affects civilianshumanitarian response -
Cameroon's Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, reiterates the government's commitment to a strict crackdown on hate speech, xenophobia, and tribal invectives.
"On Monday this week, Territorial Administration Minister Paul Atanga Nji followed up with a statement in which he reiterated government’s resolve to wedge a frontal and uncompromising war against peddlers of hate speech, xenophobia and tribal invectives which, he said, threaten the tap roots of the nation’s existence."
Following a joint press conference, Atanga Nji issues a statement reinforcing the government’s determination to combat hate speech as a threat to national stability.
📍 Cameroon affects civiliansgovernment actionmentions named actorhumanitarian response -
The Cameroonian government, through its ministers, announces a zero-tolerance stance against hate speech and plans a nationwide civic education campaign to combat it.
"“the government appeals to the collective conscience, patriotism and sense of responsibility of all to preserve our valuable achievements, namely national unity, peace and the stability of our institutions,” said Sadi, while also announcing that plans were afoot by the government to undertake a nationwide civic education campaign to school citizens in the values of peaceful and harmonious cohabitation."
Communication Minister René Emmanuel Sadi, Territorial Administration Minister Paul Atanga Nji, and Peter Mafany Musonge held a press conference on rising hate speech; Sadi announces civic education plans and appeals for national unity.
📍 Cameroon affects civiliansgovernment actionmentions named actorhumanitarian response -
Civil society organizations and the Cameroonian government unite to demand a standalone law against gender-based violence in Cameroon.
"Civil society organizations joined forces with government officials to demand a robust, standalone legislative framework targeting Gender-Based Violence - GBV."
Civil society organizations join forces with government officials to demand a robust, standalone legislative framework targeting Gender-Based Violence - GBV in Cameroon.
📍 Cameroon affects civiliansgovernment actionmentions named actorhumanitarian response -
Cameroonian authorities are increasing efforts to protect children and combat gender-based violence, including addressing over 200 reported femicides in the past four years.
"les autorités camerounaises ont annoncé une mobilisation accrue face à la recrudescence des violences basées sur le genre et des agressions contre les mineurs. Plus de 200 cas de féminicides auraient été recensés au cours des quatre dernières années."
Authorities have announced enhanced measures to address rising gender-based violence and child abuse, with judicial, medical, and psychological support for victims.
📍 Cameroon violent eventaffects civiliansgovernment actionhumanitarian response -
The Cameroonian government holds a press conference on June 1 to address rising femicides and infanticides, acknowledging the severity of the situation.
"le gouvernement a organisé le 1er juin une conférence de presse. Il a élargi sa communication aux féminicides et affirme prendre la mesure de la gravité de la situation."
The government organized a press conference on June 1 and expanded its communication to include femicides, stating it recognizes the seriousness of the issue amid growing public outrage over violent crimes against women and children.
📍 Yaoundé violent eventaffects civiliansgovernment actionhumanitarian response -
Official statistics indicate a rising annual trend in femicides and infanticides in Cameroon.
"Ces crimes augmentent d'année en année, selon les statistiques officielles."
According to official data cited in the article, crimes involving the killing of women and children have been increasing each year.
📍 Cameroon violent eventaffects civilianseconomic indicator -
The Cameroonian government calls for collective mobilization against femicides and child rapes.
"Cameroun : le gouvernement appelle à la mobilisation de tous contre les féminicides et viols d’enfants"
Au cours d’une conférence de presse conjointe donnée par plusieurs membres du gouvernement le 1 er juin 2026, le ministre de la Communication a condamné la recrudescence d’actes de violences sur les femmes et sur les enfants. René Emmanuel Sadi a égrené le chapelet de mesures prises tout en appelant à la mobilisation collective.
affects civiliansgovernment actionmentions named actor -
Over 200 cases of femicide have been recorded in Cameroon between 2023 and the first quarter of 2026, with 26 cases reported in the first quarter of 2026 alone.
"En moins de quatre ans, plus de 200 cas de féminicides ont été répertoriés au Cameroun, dont 50 en 2023, 67 en 2024, et 77 en 2025. Au premier trimestre 2026, des organisations de défense des droits de femmes dénombrent au moins 26 cas de féminicides."
En moins de quatre ans, plus de 200 cas de féminicides ont été répertoriés au Cameroun, dont 50 en 2023, 67 en 2024, et 77 en 2025. Au premier trimestre 2026, des organisations de défense des droits de femmes dénombrent au moins 26 cas de féminicides.
violent eventaffects civilians -
The Minister of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, Marie Therese Abena Ondoa, leads official efforts in Cameroon to combat female genital mutilation as part of a national strategy and action plan.
"The Ministry has elaborated a national strategy to combat gender-based violence because FGM is violence. We have a national action plan for the elimination of FGMs, while in areas of high prevalence, we have local committees to combat FGMs."
The Minister chaired the official ceremony in Yaounde to observe the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM and outlined government efforts including a national action plan and local committees in high-prevalence areas.
📍 Yaounde, Cameroon violent eventaffects civiliansgovernment actionmentions named actorhumanitarian response -
The Cameroon Bar Association condemns rising child rape cases and denounces amicable settlements between perpetrators and families.
"“In light of the resurgence of these appalling acts in Cameroonian society and faithful to its duty as a guardian of human rights... the Cameroon Bar Association condemns in the strongest possible terms these attacks on public morality, especially those perpetrated against children...”"
The Bar Council President, Mbah Eric Mbah, strongly condemns the resurgence of child rape and warns parents against accepting settlements, stating that children's rights are non-negotiable.
📍 Cameroon violent eventaffects civiliansmentions named actorhumanitarian response -
The Cameroon Bar Association appoints Barrister Philippe Olivier Memong to lead a special unit handling rape cases, with several other lawyers named as members.
"The Bar has appointed Barrister Philippe Olivier Memong to lead the special unit responsible for handling rape cases, with Barrister Serge Martin Zangue serving as rapporteur. Other members include Barrister Mbuyah Gladys Fri, Barrister Tchakounte Charlotte, Barrister Nkongme Dorcas Mirette, and Barrister Njie Jude Mokom."
The Bar has appointed Barrister Philippe Olivier Memong to lead the special unit, with Barrister Serge Martin Zangue as rapporteur and other named lawyers joining the team.
📍 Cameroon affects civiliansmentions named actorhumanitarian response -
The Cameroon Bar Association creates a special unit to provide legal assistance to victims of child rape.
"“The unit is tasked with assisting, advising, and defending child rape victims.”"
The Cameroon Bar Association has established a special unit to assist, advise, and defend child rape victims, condemning the rise in such cases and denouncing amicable settlements between perpetrators and families.
📍 Cameroon affects civiliansmentions named actorhumanitarian response -
The Cameroon Bar Association establishes a special unit to combat child sexual violence.
"The Cameroon Bar Association announced the establishment of a special unit dedicated to addressing this grave issue."
The Cameroon Bar Association announced the establishment of a special unit dedicated to addressing sexual violence against minors, providing legal support for victims and their families.
📍 Cameroon affects civiliansmentions named actorhumanitarian response -
The Cameroonian government reaffirms its commitment to ending child abuse and ensuring justice for perpetrators.
"The Government has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to safeguarding children and other vulnerable persons, as cases of homicide, rape and abuse continue to cause grave concern across the country."
At a joint ministerial press conference on 1 June 2026, government ministers outlined preventive, protective, and judicial measures in response to rising cases of child abuse and public outcry over recent incidents.
📍 Cameroon violent eventaffects civiliansgovernment actionmentions named actorhumanitarian response -
Child abuse and disappearances are increasing in Cameroon, with recent high-profile cases in Yaounde drawing national attention.
"An alarming surge in cases of rape, abduction, infanticide, and physical abuse has recently gripped public attention across several regions."
An alarming surge in cases of rape, abduction, infanticide, and physical abuse has recently gripped public attention across several regions, highlighted by the alleged sexual abuse of a three-year-old at a school in Odza, Yaounde.
📍 Yaoundé, Mfoundi, Centre, Cameroon violent eventaffects civilians -
Plan International Cameroon issues a public demand for urgent action to address rising child abuse and disappearances in the country.
"Plan International Cameroon broke its silence on May 31, 2026, by issuing an uncompromising press release aimed at protecting the nation's most vulnerable."
Plan International Cameroon broke its silence on May 31, 2026, by issuing an uncompromising press release aimed at protecting the nation's most vulnerable, condemning atrocities and calling for collective intervention.
📍 Cameroon affects civiliansmentions named actorhumanitarian response