At second bi-annual Conference of Regional Governors 2023: Minister Atanga Nji condemns surge in cases of femicide.

The member of government made the remark December 19 in Yaounde. 
This was during the opening of the second bi-annual Conference of Regional Governors of the year 2023.  
The two-day event is holding under the theme, “Administrative authorities: Security issues and socio-economic challenges”.
Speaking at the opening of the session Minister Paul Atanga Nji said that the session provided a forum for exchange and reflection on the general situation of the nation during the six months just ended.
He said that the second bi-annual Conference of Regional Governors 2023 was holding at a time marked by the hike in the prices of certain essential foodstuffs, prolonged and untimely cuts in water and electricity supplies; disruptions in the petroleum product distribution chain, fortunately resolved by the Head of State's historic decision to end the monopoly in this sector.
Other preoccupations enumerated by the MINAT boss included the continuous fight against street medicine and drug use, especially in schools; the fight against urban disorder, with a particular focus on motorcycle bikes; the resurgence of violence in various forms; femicide among others.
One of the highpoints of the gathering was the presentation of a joint report by the Delegate General for National Security, Martin Mbarga Nguele and the Secretary of State to the Minister of Defence in charge of the National Gendermarie, Yves Galax Etoga on measures being taken to ensure a hitch free end of year. 
During the two-day session, all 10 regional governors in attendance will present the socio-political and economic situation of their respective regions.
 
Need to fight against violence against women
In his opening address, Minister Atanga Nji seized the occasion to underscore the need to fight against feminicide. 
The member of government revealed that, “over eighty women and girls married or cohabitating have been beaten and murdered by their spouses since the beginning of the year”.  
The minister explained that this phenomenon, which has gained ground in society “must be severely combated”. 
According to the minister, “dialogue remains the preferred means of settling disputes in families in particular and in society in general”.
Minister Atanga stated categorically that it is their [referring to men] duty to protect their wives or partners, not to take their lives. 
Taking the life of a wife or partner is a criminal act, whatever the reason.  
He stressed that “men who could not withstand the nagging nature of women not to marry”.
 
Rising trend of church leaders in dispute with Christians
Minister Paul Atanga Nji disclosed that there has been a rising trend of church leaders in dispute with the Christians in several churches.
“Some pastors and church elders are guided more by selfish financial interests, unconnected with the faith and contrary to their oath. Such behaviour must stop, because churches, like all other institutions, are subject to the rule of law,” the minister warned.
 

Non-respect of traditional chieftaincy norms 
Minister Atanga Nji also urged the 10 regional governors to ensure that ensure the respect of state authority and the rule of law in all aspects of civil life. 
He mentioned that chieftaincy norms are ignored by notables and administrative authorities, adding that these authorities also accused of the non-respect of land tenure regulations.

Enter North West, South West Governors
The Governors of the North West and South West Regions who spoke to reporters after the opening of the conference, gave an apercu of the security situation of their respective regions.
Governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique of the North West Region said there is calm despite some incidents recorded the previous weeks.
The administrator mentioned that thanks to the professionalism of their security forces and the increasing collaboration of the population things are coming back to normalcy.
On his part, the Governor of the South West Region, Bernard Okalia Bilai said that the South West Region “is doing well”. 
He mentioned that “all the activities in all the domains; rural, agriculture, commercial, agro-industries, tourism, have resumed activities and are doing well.
The SW Governor also disclosed that following the launching of a special program on public denunciation, named “to terrorize the terrorist,” they have been able to record significant success.