The small town of Pouma, located in the Sanaga-Maritime department, is in mourning and shock after the tragic death of a child of just ten years old. The young boy, a student at GSD (Groupe Scolaire Bilingue) Pouma, died of his injuries on May 9, after being savagely beaten.
The events reportedly unfolded following an accusation of theft. The child was accused of stealing 500 FCFA, a sum that had been entrusted to him to run an errand. This accusation triggered an unprecedentedly violent reaction from some family members, including his grandmother and uncle.
According to poignant testimonies, the child was beaten for hours until he lost consciousness. Rushed to a hospital, he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The news of this death quickly spread throughout Pouma, causing a wave of emotion and outrage. Many residents testify that the child had been regularly subjected to violence for several months. Relatives even claim to have alerted the authorities to his worrying family situation.
"We knew he was being abused, but we didn't think it would go this far," says a neighbor, visibly moved. "Someone had to intervene before this tragedy happened."
Local authorities quickly launched an investigation to shed light on the exact circumstances of this tragedy and determine everyone's responsibilities. The family members involved were arrested and are currently being questioned by investigators.
Pending the outcome of the investigation, the people of Pouma are calling for stronger child protection mechanisms and better consideration of warning signs. "It is imperative that such tragedies never happen again," insists a member of a local child rights association. The death of this child has revived concerns about child violence in the region.
