Femicide cases rise in Cameroon

The number of femicides in Cameroon has increased significantly, leading to public demonstrations and demands for stronger legal protections. Activists point to the lack of specific laws against femicide and weaknesses in the judicial system as key factors contributing to the crisis.

Geraldine Achiah's death sparks attention

Geraldine Achiah was beaten to death by her husband, according to a friend, Pauline Chinjua Macholuh, who learned of the incident from Achiah's husband. Macholuh arrived at the hospital where Geraldine was taken but was unable to see her husband, who fled the scene. A commemorative event was held in Yaoundé in mid-September to honor Geraldine.

Official figures show rising numbers

The Ministry of Women's Affairs reported that nearly 70 women may have been killed this year in suspected femicide cases. This number exceeds the government's previous estimates of 50 cases in 2023 and 67 in 2024. Geraldine's sister, Beatrice Achiah, described the loss as a tragedy she would never forget and called for justice to be served, noting that her sister was innocent at the time of her death.

Femicide leads to public outcry

The rise in femicide cases has sparked demonstrations and calls for government action, as many murders go unsolved or unreported. Anne Ngo-Minyogog, a lawyer and activist against violence against women, explained that many women are forced to remain with their abusers due to a lack of support systems for themselves and their children, often leading to fatal outcomes.

Government works on new legislation

The Cameroonian government is currently drafting a new bill that would classify femicide as a distinct criminal offense and enhance protections against gender-based violence. Marie-Thérèse Abena Ondoa, the minister in charge of Women's Affairs, described the situation as "cruel" and "alarming" and pledged that the government would take further steps to address the issue.