Cameroon | Gender-based violence and access to justice | 21 October 2026
Cameroon is preparing legislation that would recognise femicide as a distinct criminal offence. The proposal follows public protests and renewed calls for justice after killings of women.
The Associated Press reported on 15 October that the Ministry of Women’s Affairs counted nearly 70 gender-related killings of women during 2026. This national administrative figure must not be confused with the Observatory’s partial register of individually verified cases or added to it as though it represented new October incidents.
One case drawing attention concerns a primary-school teacher who died in September. Her relatives allege that her husband assaulted her. The allegation and any criminal charges must be distinguished from a court finding of guilt.
Existing criminal law addresses murder and assault, but advocates argue that more specific recognition of femicide, survivor protection and effective investigations are needed. The proposed bill is expected to reach Parliament in November; it has not been enacted. A new law would matter most if people at risk can obtain timely help and families can obtain justice.
Source: Associated Press, 15 October 2026. No automatic addition to GBV incident totals.
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