From Seattletimes · · 1m 20s
Cameroon protests over femicide rise
Cameroon women's killings surge, sparking protests for stronger laws.
In brief
Cameroon women's killings surge, sparking protests for stronger laws. Cameroon's femicide rate increased to nearly 70 women killed this year, prompting protests and demands for new laws to address gender-based violence. Originally reported by Seattletimes.
Geraldine Achiah's death
Elementary school teacher Geraldine Achiah died two months into her marriage in September after alleged domestic violence.
“My mom died an unexpected and painful death”
Rising femicide rate
Cameroon reported nearly 70 women killed this year for gender-related reasons, up from 50 in 2023 and 67 in 2024.
Unsolved cases
Most femicide cases remain unsolved while others go unreported, sparking protests and calls for government action.
Husband charged
Manfred Amambua, Achiah's husband, denied killing his wife but has been charged with murder and is in jail awaiting trial.
Root causes
Economic dependence, unequal property control, and weak laws drive femicide in Cameroon’s patriarchal society.
Global context
U.N. data shows 50,000 women and girls killed by intimate partners or relatives globally in 2024.
Minister's warning
Women’s Affairs Minister Marie-Thérèse Abena Ondoa called femicide cases 'cruel' and 'alarming', promising government action.
“The current economic situation in the country is not helping matters”
New law proposed
Cameroon plans to submit a femicide law to parliament in November, but systemic barriers and victim support remain challenges.
The main idea
Cameroon's femicide rate increased to nearly 70 women killed this year, prompting protests and demands for new laws to address gender-based violence.
