YAOUNDE, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Speaker of Cameroon's National Assembly Theodore Datouo on Tuesday condemned the rising number of femicides in the country, calling for collective efforts to protect women from gender-based violence.
Speaking at the opening of the National Assembly's November ordinary session in Yaounde, the country's capital, Datouo said femicide is a "painful reality that pricks our collective conscience."
"No tradition, passion, family or marital conflict should serve as an excuse for treating a woman without dignity, harming her physical integrity and, above all, taking her life. From this rostrum of the people, I vehemently condemn such acts of violence," he said.
State broadcaster CRTV said Cameroon recorded more than 73 femicide cases between January and September.
The government has been working on legislation to recognize femicide as a distinct criminal offense. The bill is expected to be tabled before parliament in the coming weeks, he said.
"Responding to such acts of violence with indignation is no longer enough. We must act, prevent, protect and mete out sanctions," Datouo said. ■