Cameroon Bar Creates Crackdown Squad to Tackle Rape Cases

The unit is tasked with assisting, advising, and defending child rape victims.

“This unit will be responsible, among other things, for contacting the various families affected by these abuses to monitor their cases until the conclusion of legal proceedings,” the Bar said.

“Whenever necessary, the president of this unit will have full authority to add other lawyers to the body, whom he will appoint,” it added.

The creation of the unit is in response to numerous cases of child abuse and rape that have been on the rise in Cameroon, which the Bar has strongly condemned.

“In light of the resurgence of these appalling acts in Cameroonian society and faithful to its duty as a guardian of human rights in general and children’s rights in particular, the Cameroon Bar Association condemns in the strongest possible terms these attacks on public morality, especially those perpetrated against children, whose purity and innocence are violated and stolen by lawless and faithless devils,” said the Bar Council President, Mbah Eric Mbah.

“With equal gravity, the Cameroon Bar Association denounces the so-called amicable settlements that occur between predators and parents in cases of child rape and reminds the latter that the innocence, purity, and physical and moral integrity of children are virtues beyond commerce and non-negotiable. Consequently, the Cameroon Bar Association will not hesitate to hold as accomplices any parents who would risk such utterly scandalous transactions,” he added.

The Bar has appointed Barrister Philippe Olivier Memong to lead the special unit responsible for handling rape cases, with Barrister Serge Martin Zangue serving as rapporteur. Other members include Barrister Mbuyah Gladys Fri, Barrister Tchakounte Charlotte, Barrister Nkongme Dorcas Mirette, and Barrister Njie Jude Mokom. Victims are urged to report cases at (+237) 654 815 610, via WhatsApp, or by direct call.