Yaoundé, Cameroon — A harrowing case of child abuse has shocked Cameroon. On March 18, 2026, 11-year-old Divine Mbarga was abducted, raped, and tragically killed. The accused, Moadambe Eric, is identified as the father of Divine’s classmates.
The revelation of this heinous act has ignited a wave of anger and protest on social media and within Cameroonian civil society. Divine, a young girl attending school in Yaoundé like many others, was a victim of a crime that has once again highlighted the prevalent issue of violence against children, particularly girls, in the country.
The proximity of the perpetrator to the victim adds a layer of horror to this tragedy. Moadambe Eric was apprehended by Cameroonian law enforcement following an investigation. The case is now under judicial review.
This incident is not an isolated one; Cameroon, like many African nations, has faced similar shocking crimes. The ongoing violence against minors, often overlooked and leniently punished by institutions, is a critical concern. The case of Divine Mbarga underscores the need for stricter penalties for those who commit sexual violence against minors and for enhanced state protection of children.
The hashtag #JusticePourDivine is gaining traction on social media, with citizens demanding justice for Divine and that her death not be forgotten. Divine’s life, cut short at such a young age, is a somber reminder of the innocence stolen from too many children. The Cameroonian authorities are under immense pressure to ensure justice is served and to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
Source: afrikmag
