06/06/2026
Ministers Call For Collective Action Against Child Killings
By Diffo Inese Jordane
Growing concerns over the increasing cases of child killings in Cameroon dominated a press conference held on Wednesday June 3rd, 2026 bringing together the Minister of Communication, René Emmanuel Sadi, the Minister of Women's Empowerment and the Family, Marie-Thérèse Abena Ondoa, and the Minister of Social Affairs, Pauline Irène Nguene
Also, the meeting was attended by journalists, civil society representatives, and members of the public
The conference served as a platform for government officials to address public concerns, clarify ongoing efforts, and propose solutions aimed at strengthening child protection across the country.
The discussions came amid rising public anxiety over reports of violence against children, a situation that many citizens and human rights advocates have described as alarming.
Opening the conference, Minister René Emmanuel Sadi emphasized the government's determination to confront the issue.
According to him, the protection of children is not only a governmental responsibility but also a collective duty requiring the involvement of families, communities, religious leaders, civil society organizations, and the media.
"Every child has the right to live in safety and dignity. The fight against violence targeting children demands the commitment of all citizens," he stated.
Furthermore, the Minister of Women's Empowerment and the Family, Marie-Thérèse Abena Ondoa, highlighted the vulnerability of children, particularly those living in difficult social and economic conditions.
She stressed the importance of strengthening family values, improving parental supervision, and increasing awareness campaigns to prevent violence against children.
According to the minister of women empowerment, protecting children begins within the family and extends to schools and communities.
She noted that parents and guardians must remain vigilant and actively participate in safeguarding the well-being of children.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Social Affairs, Pauline Irène Nguene, outlined several measures being implemented to address the problem.
These include enhanced collaboration between social workers and law enforcement agencies, improved reporting mechanisms for suspected cases of abuse, psychosocial support for affected families, and community-based sensitization programmes.
Moreover, she called on members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities involving children, adding that early intervention could save lives and prevent tragedies.
Human rights observers welcomed the government's response.
However, they emphasized that sustained action, effective law enforcement, and stronger community engagement will be necessary to achieve lasting results.
They also urged authorities to ensure that perpetrators of crimes against children are brought to justice.
Consequently, the press conference concluded with a strong appeal for national solidarity in protecting children's rights.
The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to working with all stakeholders to combat violence against children and create a safer environment where every child can grow, learn, and thrive.
As Cameroon continues to confront this challenge, the message from the conference was clear; protecting children is not merely a policy objective it is a moral obligation and a fundamental human rights imperative.
