It has been revealed that sexual violence against children is rising at alarming proportion in Cameroon. Recent statistics made public by the Cercle international pour la promotion de la création (Cipcre) indicated that between 2012 and 2014, 374 cases of sexual violence against children were reported in several parts of the country. Between January 2015 and June 2016, 475 cases of sexual violence against children were reported directly to the Cercle international pour la promotion de la création (Cipcre).

The NGO says that the violence is affecting children ages between 15 and 18 years.  However, 36 children victims of sexual violence were under 7 years and another 100 were under 14 years.  A statement released on Friday by Cercle international pour la promotion de la création (Cipcre) noted that 109 girls became pregnant, 6 children were killed all as a result of sexual assault.  144 children had severe injuries and 49 children contracted the aids virus.

CIPCRE also reported that 519 cases of sexual violence were reported to local leaders trained by the NGO across the country. Abusers, said the NGO, have no typical profile. They are found in all layers of the Cameroonian society including senior government officials. The Cercle international pour la promotion de la création (Cipcre) further hinted that the abuser is often a relative of the child in whom the child has developed confidence.

By Rita Akana (Cameroon Intelligence Report)