At the opening of the second ordinary session of the Senate in Yaoundé, Senate President Aboubakary Abdoulaye delivered a strong warning to the Cameroonian government about the escalating crisis of sexual violence against children and the rising tide of feminicides in the country.

a bold call for justice and protection

As the Lamido of Rey Bouba addressed lawmakers, Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute, National Assembly President, and senior government officials, he made an impassioned plea for immediate, decisive action. “Sexual abuse of women and children, along with feminicides, must be met with unwavering determination,” he declared, emphasizing that such acts strike at the very heart of human dignity and the sanctity of life.

a nation reeling from recent tragedy

Abdoulaye’s remarks come in the wake of a deeply shocking incident: the alleged rape of a three-year-old girl in Yaoundé. The case has sent shockwaves across the nation, igniting public outrage and prompting mass protests. It has also reignited urgent national debates about the need for stronger prevention and enforcement measures to protect the most vulnerable members of society.

demanding systemic change

The Senate leader’s intervention underscores a growing public frustration with the persistence of gender-based violence and the apparent failure of existing safeguards. His call for a “firm response” signals a demand for not only punitive measures but also comprehensive social and institutional reforms to address the root causes of these crimes.

As Cameroon continues to grapple with this disturbing trend, voices like Abdoulaye’s are increasingly pushing for accountability, stronger legal frameworks, and a renewed commitment to safeguarding human rights—especially those of women and children.