Child sexual abuse crisis: Littoral civil society organisations demand justice, sweeping reforms.

The call was made during a press conference organised in Douala on June 3 by the PLAFOSCIL, a coalition of more than 50 Civil Society Organisations working in the fields of human rights, governance, social protection and community development.

Speaking at the opening of the press briefing, PLAFOSCIL Executive Secretary, Marius Kaptouom, said the platform could no longer remain silent in the face of increasing reports of sexual abuse involving children.

He noted that recent cases reported across the country have gone beyond isolated incidents and now constitute a major societal problem requiring collective action.

"As civil society organisations, it is our responsibility to denounce these acts and draw public attention to what has become a serious concern for the nation," Kaptouom stated.

He added that the platform's declaration was intended as both an alert and a call for responsible action from all stakeholders involved in child protection.

Series of disturbing cases cited

Reading the platform's declaration, Angèle Ndoumbe, Executive Director of Servitas Cameroon, painted a grim picture of the current situation.

According to PLAFOSCIL, Cameroon is experiencing a serious child protection crisis marked by a succession of sexual violence cases against minors in recent weeks.

Among the incidents highlighted was the alleged abuse of about 15 pupils aged between four and 14 years by a school teacher in Yaoundé IV Subdivision. The platform also cited the case of three-year-old child, who was reportedly sexually assaulted in a school environment in Yaoundé.

Other cases mentioned included the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl in the North West Region, followed by an attempt to bribe her family into silence, as well as the case of 11-year-old Divine Mbarga Atangana, whose death after an alleged rape in Yaoundé in March 2026 sparked widespread public outrage.

The platform noted that similar incidents have also been reported in Douala, indicating that the phenomenon affects communities across the country.

PLAFOSCIL said the numerous cases have exposed weaknesses in Cameroon’s social, judicial and educational protection systems and have triggered significant public indignation both within the country and among the diaspora.

Civil society condemns impunity

In its declaration, the platform strongly condemned what it described as the normalisation and multiplication of sexual violence against children.

"The silence of institutions, judicial delays and out-of-court settlements amount to an unacceptable reward for impunity," the declaration stated.

PLAFOSCIL welcomed the decision announced by the Cameroon Bar Association on May 28, 2026, to establish a special unit of six experienced lawyers to provide legal assistance to victims of sexual abuse. The organisation urged other state institutions to demonstrate a similar level of commitment.

Five key demands

To address the crisis, the platform presented a series of recommendations to the authorities.

These include the immediate prosecution of perpetrators and accomplices, the application of maximum legal penalties provided under Cameroonian law, and an end to informal settlements in sexual abuse cases involving children.

The coalition also called for urgent legislative reforms, including the adoption of a comprehensive law specifically addressing sexual violence against minors and stricter background checks for educational personnel and others working with children.

PLAFOSCIL further advocated the creation of specialised centres offering free psychological, medical and legal support to victims nationwide.

The platform equally recommended mandatory security audits in schools and child-centred institutions, alongside the establishment of secure reporting mechanisms and child protection protocols.

In addition, it called for a nationwide awareness campaign involving civil society organisations, media houses, religious institutions and development partners to educate the public on children's rights and the prevention of sexual violence.

State urged to assume responsibility

During discussions with journalists, civil society leader, Gustavo Azebaze, stressed that the primary responsibility for protecting children lies with the State.

He said civil society's role is to remind public authorities of their obligations towards citizens and to advocate action when institutions fail to respond adequately.

Azebaze lamented what he described as increasing expectations for civil society organisations to solve problems that fall within the mandate of government institutions.

"We must collectively hold the State accountable because it possesses the legal authority and enforcement mechanisms necessary to protect citizens and prosecute offenders," he argued.

Lawyer recounts victims' ordeal

Lawyer, Charlotte Chakounté, shared examples of cases she has personally handled, highlighting the devastating consequences of sexual abuse on children and their families.

She recounted the case of a five-year-old girl allegedly abused by her father following a custody dispute. 

According to the lawyer, the child continues to suffer severe psychological trauma and requires specialised care that her mother cannot afford.

Call for national mobilisation

PLAFOSCIL has announced plans to intensify advocacy efforts and mobilise a broader coalition of stakeholders to push for reforms and stronger child protection measures.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3811 of Monday June 08, 2026