Cameroon MINPROFF: Holds 3rd Military GBV Training for CAR Deployment

• Cameroonian military personnel received training on gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and care from May 29-31, 2025, in Motcheboum.
• The training, organized by the UNFPA at the Ministry of Defense's invitation, targeted soldiers deploying to the Central African Republic.
• MINPROFF participated in the program, which is part of its strategy to combat GBV, especially in conflict-exposed areas.
• The initiative also serves as MINPROFF's response to the nearly 60 femicides reported in Cameroon since early 2026, which have sparked public outcry.
• This program aims to equip defense forces to address GBV in conflict contexts and uphold humanitarian standards.

This particular Cameroon MINPROFF military GBV training marks the third such session, signaling an ongoing commitment to equipping service members with the necessary tools to combat gender-based violence.

Cameroonian military personnel recently participated in a specialized training program focused on the prevention and management of gender-based violence (GBV). This crucial initiative, held from May 29 to 31, 2025, in Motcheboum, located in Cameroon's East region, aimed to enhance the capabilities of the nation's defense and security forces in addressing GBV within conflict settings.

The training specifically targeted military members slated for deployment to the Central African Republic. Its curriculum encompassed critical aspects such as the identification, prevention, and appropriate response to GBV incidents that personnel might encounter during their service. The Ministère de la Promotion de la Femme et de la Famille (MINPROFF), represented by Martine Ongola from its Directorate of Social Promotion of Women, actively contributed to the program.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) organized this significant training session at the explicit invitation of Cameroon's Ministry of Defense. This collaboration underscores a concerted effort to integrate robust GBV awareness and response mechanisms into military operations, particularly for forces operating in volatile regions.

This particular Cameroon MINPROFF military GBV training marks the third such session, signaling an ongoing commitment to equipping service members with the necessary tools to combat gender-based violence. It forms an integral part of MINPROFF's broader strategy for awareness and education, which has now been strategically expanded to include military actors. The overarching goal is to fortify the fight against GBV, especially in areas susceptible to conflict, thereby promoting greater accountability and adherence to humanitarian standards among military personnel.

Beyond its immediate application to military deployments, this initiative is also a direct response from MINPROFF to the escalating issue of femicides in Cameroon. The urgency of this training is underscored by alarming national statistics, revealing that nearly 60 women have tragically lost their lives at the hands of their husbands since the beginning of 2026.

This distressing trend has ignited widespread public outrage among Cameroonians and prompted strong condemnation from human rights organizations. By extending its prevention violences basées genre armée efforts, MINPROFF aims to contribute to a broader societal shift, emphasizing zero tolerance for gender-based violence and reinforcing the protection of women across all sectors, including those impacted by military presence.

The comprehensive formation militaires camerounais VBG reflects an increasing recognition of the legal and humanitarian obligations incumbent upon armed forces, particularly in conflict zones. Training on GBV prevention, recognition, and care aligns with international human rights law and principles of droit humanitaire Cameroun, which mandate the protection of civilians and prohibit acts of sexual and gender-based violence.

This UNFPA Cameroun VBG partnership and the active participation of MINPROFF signify a proactive step towards ensuring that Cameroonian military personnel are not only prepared for operational duties but are also thoroughly educated on their responsibilities regarding civilian protection and the prevention of atrocities. Such programs are vital for upholding the integrity of military operations and fostering trust between armed forces and the communities they serve, both domestically and abroad.

This initiative signals an increased focus by the Cameroonian government and international partners on addressing Gender-Based Violence within the military, particularly in conflict contexts and during deployments. Lawyers advising military personnel, human rights organizations, or clients operating in areas with military presence should note the potential for enhanced scrutiny and accountability regarding GBV incidents, requiring updated compliance protocols and awareness of evolving standards for military conduct.

Source: Original reporting via Actu Cameroun