There is palpable emotion in the village of Tongo Gandima, located in the East region of Cameroon, following the macabre discovery of a woman's body on May 9. The victim was found tied up in a thicket, having suffered sexual violence before being brutally killed.
According to local sources, the discovery took place last weekend. The victim was reportedly found bound and with her throat slit, causing strong emotion within the community. Residents and relatives of the victim are struggling to understand the circumstances of this tragedy.
The exact circumstances of this crime remain unknown at this time, and the perpetrators have not yet been identified. An investigation has been opened by the competent authorities to shed light on this case and bring those responsible to justice.
This case comes amid growing concerns about violence against women in Cameroon. In February 2026, the Ministry for the Promotion of Women and the Family announced that the theme of International Women's Day would be "Justice for all women and girls," highlighting the importance of rights, access to justice and protection. Data from the ministry indicates an increase in cases of femicide, from 56 in 2023 to 69 in 2024.
Various civil society organizations offer crucial support to victims of gender-based violence, including temporary accommodation, psychosocial support and legal assistance. However, recent suspensions of NGOs have raised concerns about victims' access to these essential services.
Cameroon is committed to halving the prevalence of gender-based violence by 2026 and has put in place a national strategy to this effect. Despite these efforts, violence persists, highlighting a gap between public commitments and the daily reality faced by women and girls. The ongoing investigation into the murder in Tongo Gandima will hopefully shed light on this heinous crime and ensure that justice is served.
