MAFAC CONDEMNS THE KILLING OF WOMEN IN CAMEROON

MAFAC CONDEMNS THE KILLING OF WOMEN IN CAMEROON

The Makongo Family Charity (MAFAC) is deeply saddened and outraged by the recent killings of women by their husbands and intimate partners in Cameroon.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to every family that has lost a daughter, mother, sister or friend. We share the grief of the children who have suddenly become orphans because someone who was supposed to protect their mother chose to destroy her life.

FEMICIDE IS NOT LOVE, DISCIPLINE, TRADITION OR A PRIVATE FAMILY MATTER. IT IS A SERIOUS CRIME AGAINST HUMAN LIFE.

MAFAC CALLS ON CAMEROONIAN LAWMAKERS TO MAKE FEMICIDE A SPECIFIC CRIME UNDER THE PENAL CODE, PUNISHABLE BY LIFE IMPRISONMENT.

Although femicide is not yet separately defined in Cameroon’s Penal Code, killing a woman is punishable as murder, capital murder or assault occasioning death. Section 275 provides life imprisonment for anyone who causes another person’s death, while other provisions punish premeditated killing, grievous harm and assault.

However, the rising number of women killed because of domestic and intimate-partner violence demands a clear and specific law against femicide. Parliament must act urgently to strengthen prevention, prosecution and protection for women at risk.

No disagreement, jealousy, suspected infidelity, rejection, financial dispute or decision to end a relationship gives anyone the right to take another person’s life.

WARNING SIGNS WOMEN SHOULD NEVER IGNORE

A man may present a serious danger when he:

- Threatens to kill, injure or disfigure his partner, children or himself.

- Strangles, slaps, punches, kicks, pushes or attacks her—even once.

- Becomes extremely jealous, possessive or controlling.

- Monitors her telephone, movements, money, clothing and friendships.

- Isolates her from relatives and trusted friends.

- Forces sex or refuses to respect her right to say no.

- Destroys property, punches walls or harms animals during arguments.

- Owns or displays weapons while making threats.

- Blames her for his anger and refuses to accept responsibility.

- Becomes more violent when she threatens to leave.

- Says, “If I cannot have you, nobody will.”

These signs do not guarantee that someone will kill, but they must be taken seriously. Strangulation, death threats, access to weapons and escalating violence indicate especially grave danger.

IF YOU FEEL UNSAFE, ACT EARLY

Your safety and that of your children must come first. Abuse is never your fault.

- Tell trusted relatives, friends, neighbours or colleagues what is happening.

- Report threats and assaults to the police or gendarmerie, especially when danger is immediate.

- Seek medical care and ensure that injuries are properly documented.

- Preserve evidence of threats, messages and injuries—but only when doing so will not expose you to greater danger.

- Prepare an emergency bag containing identification documents, children’s documents, medication, money, keys and essential clothing.

- Identify a safe home, shelter or public place where you and your children can go.

- Establish a secret word that tells trusted people to call for help.

- Teach children how to seek help without asking them to intervene physically.

- If you decide to leave, plan carefully. Separation can be a particularly dangerous period.

- During an immediate attack, move toward an exit and away from kitchens, weapons and enclosed rooms.

A MESSAGE TO MEN

Anger is an emotion; violence is a choice.

If you feel that you may harm your wife or partner:

- Leave the argument immediately and go somewhere safe.

- Put down every weapon and create physical distance.

- Do not use alcohol or drugs to manage your anger.

- Call a trusted relative, counsellor, religious leader or mental-health professional.

- Never threaten, stalk or pursue a woman who chooses to leave.

- Learn to communicate without intimidation and accept “no” without retaliation.

- Seek professional help before your anger destroys a life, your children’s future and your own freedom.

- If you believe you may attack someone immediately, remove yourself from the situation and contact emergency or law-enforcement services.

Real strength is not the ability to frighten or overpower a woman. Real strength is self-control, accountability and the courage to seek help.

MAFAC calls upon law-enforcement agencies, judicial authorities, traditional leaders, religious institutions, families and communities to stop treating domestic violence as a private disagreement. Threats must be investigated before they become funerals, and perpetrators must face the law without favour or interference.

MAFAC stands ready to offer moral support, compassion and encouragement to children orphaned by femicide. Every affected child deserves protection, counselling, education, dignity and a community that refuses to abandon them.

Let us speak before another woman is silenced.

Let us intervene before another child becomes an orphan.

Let us act before another home becomes a crime scene.

STOP FEMICIDE. PROTECT WOMEN. PROTECT CHILDREN. DEFEND LIFE.

MAKONGO FAMILY CHARITY — MAFAC

An African Solution to African Humanitarian Problems

#StopFemicide #ProtectWomen #ProtectChildren #EndDomesticViolence #CriminalizeFemicide #MAFAC #JusticeForVictims #Cameroon