* Mukum Vicram Ndagha urges Government to strengthen the prevention, investigation and prosecution of violence against women
* Calls on communities to report early warning signs and intervene before domestic violence turns fatal
PUBLIC STATEMENT ON FEMICIDE AND VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN CAMEROON
My dear brothers and sisters, fellow Cameroonians,
As the North-West Regional Chairperson of the Democratic Liberation, I wish to add my voice to the growing national concern over the alarming cases of femicide and violence against women in Cameroon.
Women are being abused, assaulted, tortured and, in the most tragic cases, killed by men who are often known to them and who should be their partners, protectors and sources of support. What is even more disturbing is that the cases reported on social media and brought into the public domain represent only a fraction of the violence taking place behind closed doors.
Many women continue to suffer in silence. They remain trapped in abusive relationships, afraid to speak, afraid that reporting the abuse may place them in even greater danger, or uncertain whether anyone will protect them.
Let us be clear: domestic violence is not a private matter when a person’s safety or life is at risk. Femicide is not a family dispute. It is a grave crime, a violation of human dignity and an assault on the values of our society.
There can be no justification for a man to take the life of his wife, partner, girlfriend or any other woman. No argument, accusation, disagreement or personal circumstance can excuse murder. There is no justification for femicide, and there must be no culture of silence or impunity around it.
A CALL FOR STRONGER GOVERNMENT ACTION
We call upon the Government of Cameroon and all institutions responsible for justice, law enforcement and public protection to strengthen the mechanisms for preventing and responding to gender-based violence.
Cases of violence against women must be investigated promptly, handled with seriousness and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Victims and survivors must be protected, supported and treated with dignity. Perpetrators must be held accountable, regardless of their social status, position or relationship with the victim.
These matters cannot be addressed through speeches and public declarations alone. Cameroon needs effective action, consistent enforcement and visible accountability. The protection of women must be reflected not only in laws and policies, but also in the daily conduct of institutions responsible for enforcing them.
A CALL TO NEIGHBOURS AND COMMUNITIES: DO NOT WAIT FOR DEATH
Government action alone is not enough. Families, neighbours, communities, religious institutions, traditional authorities and civil society must also accept their responsibility.
Domestic violence rarely begins with the final, fatal act. In many cases, there have been repeated threats, violent arguments, physical assaults, cries for help and other warning signs long before a tragedy occurs. Too often, people hear or see these warning signs and choose to remain silent.
We must change this culture of silence.
If you live in a neighbourhood where you regularly hear violent quarrels, screams or cries for help, do not simply stand by and wait for the situation to become fatal. Where it is safe and appropriate to do so, alert the authorities, community leaders, trusted family members or other responsible persons who can help intervene.
After a woman has been killed, saying, “We used to hear them fighting,” is not enough. Being a witness after tragedy is not the same as being a protector before tragedy.
You become part of the solution when you speak up early.
If you hear violence, speak up.
If you see danger, report it.
If someone cries for help, do not ignore them.
If you can intervene safely, help.
If direct intervention may place you or the victim at greater risk, seek assistance from the appropriate authorities and responsible community leaders.
Prevention is better than mourning.
Reporting domestic violence is not an act of unnecessary interference when someone’s safety or life is at risk. It is an act of responsibility, courage and humanity.
Let us stop waiting for the ambulance, the police, the funeral or the news on social media before we react. By then, it may already be too late.
WOMEN DESERVE DIGNITY, JUSTICE AND A VOICE
Women deserve more than protection from violence. They deserve dignity, respect, justice, opportunity and a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect their lives.
Women facing dangerous or escalating domestic situations must be encouraged and supported to seek help early from trusted family members, community leaders, authorities and appropriate support services. Where necessary, they must be assisted in moving away from situations that place their lives at risk.
A society cannot claim to be peaceful while violence continues to destroy homes and take the lives of women. Families, communities, religious institutions, traditional authorities, law-enforcement agencies, civil society organisations and the Government all have a responsibility to prevent violence before it becomes fatal.
As the Democratic Liberation, we condemn femicide and all forms of gender-based violence without reservation. We stand with victims and survivors, and we call for stronger measures to protect women, support those at risk and hold perpetrators accountable.
Let us build communities where neighbours protect neighbours; where cries for help are not ignored; where violence is reported before it escalates; and where domestic abuse is never normalized, excused or hidden.
Peace begins in the family.
Justice begins with protecting the vulnerable.
Development begins when every citizen can live with dignity and security.
Let us stand together for a Cameroon where women are safe, respected, heard and free from violence.
Long live peace.
Long live love and unity.
Long live justice and human dignity.
Long live the Republic of Cameroon.
Mukum Vicram Ndagha
North-West Regional Chairperson
Democratic Liberation (DL)
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