Civil society organisations, human rights advocates, and lawmakers in Cameroon are calling for dedicated legislation targeting femicide following a sharp increase in gender-based killings across the country.
According to figures cited by human rights monitors, at least 56 women were killed in gender-based violence incidents between January and July 2026.
Addressing the issue on Rise and Shine, geopolitical analyst Aaron Ng’ambi noted that gender-based homicides continue to be treated under general murder statutes rather than being classified as specific gender-based crimes, limiting targeted legal protections and deterrence.
In response, human rights groups and parliamentarians are pushing for specialised legislation ahead of the upcoming parliamentary session in November to formally define femicide, strengthen protective orders, and establish stiffer penalties for perpetrators.
–ChannelAfrica–
