Cameroon: 53 Femicides Recorded in 7 Months, Including 7 Minors
Between January 1 and July 29, 2026, Cameroon recorded 53 femicides, according to a report released by civil society organizations on July 29, 2026. The report also details seven cases where young girls were raped before being killed. These incidents occurred across five regions of the country. The seven specific cases highlighted involve victims whose ages range from 10 to 22 years old. Among these detailed cases are 12-year-old Mafouing Daphné in Mfou (Center Region) on January 8, 2026, and 10-year-old Pama Erica in Finfinda (South Region) on January 10, 2026. Two cases, Zeh Eyamo (18) and Annonera Dili (22), both occurred in Kribi (South Region) on February 25, 2026. Additionally, 11-year-old Divine Mbarga was killed in Yaoundé (Center Region) on March 18, 2026. A 14-year-old named Naima was killed in Dourga (Far North Region) in early April 2026. The most recent case listed is Aicha, 22, in Bafoussam (West Region) on July 29, 2026. The remaining 46 femicides were not individually named in the public document. Government or law enforcement agencies have not yet released official figures for this period to corroborate or refute these findings.
This report from Cameroonian civil society highlights a significant number of femicides, including vulnerable minors, over a seven-month period. The lack of official government data for the same period raises questions about the transparency and completeness of public safety reporting. Addressing such violence requires a multi-faceted approach, including robust legal frameworks, effective law enforcement, and community-based prevention programs. The systemic underpinnings of gender-based violence, often rooted in societal norms and power imbalances, necessitate long-term strategies that promote gender equality and provide adequate support for victims. Future efforts should focus on improving data collection and public accountability to ensure that these critical issues receive the attention and resources they demand.
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