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2 clusters · 9 sources · 16 days · First seen 18 days ago · Last updated 3 days ago

Surge in fatal violence against women in Cameroon

Overview

Cameroon is experiencing a surge in fatal violence against women, marked by a significant rise in recorded killings. Official statistics show female murders increased from 50 in 2023 to 77 in 2025, with 26 gender-based killings recorded in the first quarter of 2026 alone.

Recent incidents have intensified public outcry. 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. Other recent tragedies include the suspicious death of Delphine Bih in Mbalmayo involving her partner, and reports of multiple women being killed by partners within a single week across various regions.

The crisis has prompted a debate over legal terminology and the 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. This follows previous concerns expressed by the United Nations regarding rising rates of femicides, infanticide, and sexual violence in the country.

Entities

Crescence Merline Beguel · Marie-Thérèse Abena Ondoa · Mani Sos Veuves et femmes violentées · Bonabéri · United Nations

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
[● 3 SOURCES] At least eight women were reportedly killed within an eight-day period in Cameroon. 237actu.com · panoramapapers.com · www.camer.be
[○ 1 SOURCE] 26 gender-based killings were recorded by the government in the first quarter of 2026. 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
[○ 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

Timeline

3 days ago

[CRIME] 9 sources
Cameroon faces surge in fatal violence against women
Cameroon is experiencing a surge in fatal violence against women, with rising murder rates and recent high-profile killings sparking urgent calls for legal reform and improved public safety measures.
18 days ago

[CRIME] 5 sources
Violent assault in Mayotte and rape case in Douala lead to legal proceedings
Two separate criminal incidents involve a violent assault in Mayotte during a festival and the surrender of three rape suspects in Douala, Cameroon, following a family ultimatum.

Sources

237actu.com · 237online.com · camer.be · lebledparle.com · lecontinentmagazine.com · mimimefoinfos.com · myjoyonline.com · observer237.com · panoramapapers.com

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history