By Boris Esono Nwenfor
BUEA, PAV – The Council of Imams and Muslim Dignitaries of Cameroon (CIDIMUC) has condemned a recent wave of femicide in the country, calling the killings a grave violation of human dignity and religious values.
The council’s statement comes after seven women were reportedly killed in seven days in Yaoundé, Douala, Belabo and Tibati, prompting renewed concern over violence against women in Cameroon.
The reported killings include a female student in Yaoundé who was allegedly thrown from a moving vehicle, a young woman reportedly killed by her boyfriend, and a 19-year-old woman who was allegedly killed by her 22-year-old partner in the Effoulan neighbourhood of Yaoundé. In Douala, a 34-year-old mother of two was reportedly stabbed to death in her home by her husband while their children were present.
The latest cases have added to mounting concern over the scale of violence against women in the country. According to figures presented by the minister of women’s empowerment and the family, Cameroon recorded 50 femicide cases during the first four months of 2026, alongside 166 cases of rape and 13 infanticides.
The figures indicate a continuing rise in domestic killings of women, with reported femicides increasing by 37% since 2023. Human Rights Watch has also reported widespread violence against women in Cameroon, saying nearly 40% of women have experienced physical, sexual or psychological abuse. Its reporting documented at least 77 femicides in 2024.
CIDIMUC said it would support efforts by public authorities to tackle violence against women and called on Imams and Muslim dignitaries to intensify awareness campaigns.
The council said religious leaders had an important role to play in promoting respect for life, protecting human dignity and challenging attitudes that could contribute to violence.
The intervention comes amid growing calls from civil society organisations, women’s rights groups and community leaders for stronger prevention measures and greater public awareness of domestic violence. The council said its commitment would be centred on supporting efforts to protect life and uphold human dignity, as concern grows over the continuing violence against women in Cameroon.
