** Female in Cameroon: a controversial verdict raises deep questions about justice and the protection of women **
The verdict pronounced on April 1, 2025 in the Diane Yangwo case, a young mother of three who died following domestic violence, sparked a shock wave in Cameroon. Her husband, found guilty of infliction of death, was sentenced to a five -year suspended sentence. This decision, judged by many as “inappropriate” and “unfair”, raises fundamental questions about the protection of women and the effectiveness of justice in affairs of domestic violence.
** A legal framework in question **
The Diane Yangwo affair highlights the gaps in the Cameroonian judicial system for the treatment of violence against women. Legal qualifications, like that of “fatal blows”, sometimes seem to minimize the gravity of the acts committed. The family lawyer, Me Charlotte Tchakounte, stresses that the circumstances surrounding Diane’s death indicated a murderous intention, which should have justified a prosecution for murder rather than for fatal blows. In addition, the suspended prison sentence for such violence is perceived as an alarming signal towards society. This could be interpreted as an implicit approval of a culture of violence and impunity.
** Voices rise for change **
The reaction of civil society was not long in coming. The Cameroonian coalition against violence against girls and women mobilized its efforts to challenge the authorities, in particular the Minister of Promotion of Women and the Family, on the urgent need to develop the existing legal framework. Sociologist Lydie Biby Meghuiop evokes a feeling of growing insecurity among women, noting that the mercy of justice in such serious cases can encourage similar behavior and increase the vulnerability of women to violence.
This feeling is shared by many associations and activists who fight for women’s rights in Cameroon, in a country where gender inequalities and domestic violence are persistent realities. The link between the verdict of this trial and the social perception of violence against women also challenges the need for awareness and education within communities.
** A call for collective reflection **
This case also requires a systemic reflection on the way in which society, judicial institutions, and families perceive domestic violence. Why are devastating acts sometimes relegated to the rank of “ordinary violence” and not treated with the severity they deserve? It becomes essential to examine how gender stereotypes, cultural beliefs and social standards systems contribute to an environment where such violence can be expressed without real consequences.
The case of Diane Yangwo could become a turning point if his media coverage encouraged to rethink and strengthen the laws on domestic violence. Consequently, it would be important to encourage a constructive dialogue between legislators, civil society organizations, and community members. How could we develop initiatives that promote the protection of victims while educating potential attackers on the consequences of their acts? What measures take to guarantee that justice is not only a promise, but a tangible reality?
** To a safer future **
The path to a fair and equitable treatment of violence against women in Cameroon is still long. However, the indignation aroused by the verdict of the Diane Yangwo affair is indicative of a desire for change within society. By relying on the courage of women and organizations that fight for their rights, and by calling for a revision of laws so that they are both fair and protective, Cameroon can hope to evolve towards a future where women’s life is more valued and protected.
Pending the decision of the Littoral Court of Appeal, each voice that rises to denounce injustice constitutes a stage towards a collective awareness. The resolution of this complex problem will not only require legal improvements but also an essential cultural change to reduce violence against women and ensure their safety.