Cameroon faces surge in fatal violence against women

feminicide gender-based violence Cameroon crime domestic violence public safety

Cameroon is facing a surge in fatal violence against women, with reports indicating a significant rise in killings. Statistics show that the number of recorded female murders increased from 50 in 2023 to 77 in 2025. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, the government recorded 26 gender-based killings.

Recent incidents have sparked intense public outcry and debate. In Yaoundé, the stabbing death of 44-year-old Crescence Merline Beguel on August 25, 2026, has become a focal point for discussions regarding public safety and the adequacy of current protections. Other recent tragedies include the death of Delphine Bih in Mbalmayo under suspicious circumstances involving her partner, and reports of multiple women being killed by partners within a single week in various regions.

The crisis has prompted a debate over legal terminology and state response. While activists and civil society call for specific legislation to address ‘feminicide,’ government official Jean De Dieu Momo has criticized the term, arguing that perpetrators should be labeled as ‘criminal men’ rather than using gender-specific terminology. Despite existing national gender policies, critics argue there is a significant gap between official strategies and the practical safety and support available to women facing domestic threats.

Entities

Ajara Nchout Njoya · Beguel Merline · Bertin Noa · Cameroon · Crescence Merline Beguel · Jean De Dieu Momo · Mani Sos Veuves et femmes violentées · Marie-Thérèse Abena Ondoa · United Nations · Yaoundé

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] Crescence Merline Beguel, aged 44, was stabbed to death in a Yaoundé hotel on August 25, 2026. 237actu.com · lecontinentmagazine.com · www.camer.be
[○ 1 SOURCE] The number of recorded female murders rose from 50 in 2023 to 67 in 2024 and 77 in 2025. 237actu.com
[DISPUTED] 26 gender-based killings were recorded by the government in the first quarter of 2026. www.camer.be
[○ 1 SOURCE] Minister Jean De Dieu Momo argued against the use of the term ‘feminicide’, preferring to call perpetrators ‘criminal men’. www.lebledparle.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Delphine Bih died in Mbalmayo after consuming food given to her by her partner, Kpwe Julius. www.camer.be
[● 3 SOURCES] At least eight women were reportedly killed within an eight-day period in Cameroon. 237actu.com · panoramapapers.com · www.camer.be