The village of Kedjom Ketinguh, in Tubah, North West Region of Cameoron is reeling after allegations surfaced of the repeated rape of a five-year-old child. The victim, whose name is being withheld to protect her identity, reportedly endured this horrific ordeal four times, most recently on Sunday, February 16, 2025.
The alleged perpetrator is Tiekebeng Mokenyu Joseph Zhibain, also known as Pa Jiban, the Quarter Head (Tienteh) of Ntehloh. Joseph, believed to be around 70 years old and a retired penitentiary officer, has reportedly fled the community.
While he was allegedly caught redhanded, he is said to have pretended as if he had cardiac arrest and then fled the scene before many people could arrive.
It is not yet clear at the time of this report if authorities are currently searching for him. However, there is a general outcry within the community that anywhere he is found, he should be taken to the authorities.
Widespread Condemnations
The alleged assaults have generated significant outrage and condemnation throughout Kedjum Ketinguh and behond. Community leaders and residents are demanding swift action from the Kwifoin and the Fon (traditional ruler).
They are calling for Joseph’s immediate dismissal from his position as Quarter Head and any other roles he holds within the Fon’s office. Many believe that the actions he faces accusations for disqualify him from any position of authority or trust. They insist that this case, because of its criminal nature, must go to the justice department and not just stay within the customary court system.
A community elder, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, “This is a heinous crime that we cannot tolerate. We must serve justice, and we must hold this individual accountable for his alleged actions.”
Medical Attention
The mother took the child to the hospital in Tingeh (Sabga), a quarter in Kedjom Ketinguh, on Monday, February 17, 2025, for a medical examination.
MMI confirmed that they conducted major medical checks and prescribed medications. Further tests are scheduled in two weeks to ensure no diseases were contracted.
Preliminary Medical reports from the Baptist Hospital are said to have been received, but will not be released to the public to protect the child’s privacy. MMI received information that psychosocial follow-up will support the child’s recovery and well-being beyond the immediate medical attention.
MMI will continue to monitor the child’s progress and provide updates as they become available.
A Hidden Epidemic
This incident in Kedjom Ketinguh is not an isolated one. In a society such as Cameroon, where cultural taboos and a legacy of gender inequality prevail, sexual violence often remains hidden. Underreporting is rampant. Survivors—especially children—are forced into silence by pervasive stigma, fear of retaliation, and deep-seated mistrust in a justice system seen as incapable of offering protection. Cultural norms pressure many to prioritise family honour over individual well-being, isolating and leaving victims unsupported.
In a country like Cameroon, marked by socio-economic challenges, the true scale of the crisis likely exceeds official numbers. High rates of gender-based violence, especially rape and sexual assault, increase because survivors seldom come forward. The overwhelming silence masks the brutality and hinders efforts to provide necessary medical, psychological, and legal support.
Roots of a Multifaceted Problem
Multiple factors contribute to this endemic violence. The ongoing conflict in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions has fueled a surge in sexual violence, with armed groups and state forces alike implicated in abuses that leave children especially at risk. Displacement and the chaos of war create environments where normal safeguards crumble, making the young even more vulnerable.
Poverty and socioeconomic inequality also play critical roles. In communities like Kedjom Ketinguh where resources are scarce and opportunities few, the desperate can become easy targets for exploitation. Cultural norms steeped in patriarchy reinforce gender inequality, creating a cycle that exposes women and children to violence with little hope for redress. In many instances, limited access to justice and essential services only deepens survivors’ despair, allowing perpetrators to operate with impunity.
The Devastating Impact of Silence
The underreporting of sexual violence not only obscures the true scope of the problem but also perpetuates a vicious cycle. When incidents go unrecorded, governments and aid organizations struggle to design effective interventions. Survivors are left without the support they desperately need, while perpetrators remain free to continue their crimes. This failure to hold offenders accountable reinforces the notion that violence against the vulnerable is a price worth paying for social or familial harmony.
For many communities, the silence is not simply a lack of reporting—it is an enforced quietude born from shame and the fear of community ostracism. Parents, neighbors, and even survivors themselves may prefer to endure the trauma in silence rather than face the public stigma attached to sexual violence. This culture of silence ensures that the scars remain unhealed, both on the bodies of the survivors and in the collective memory of the society.
Pathways Toward Change
To tackle this multifaceted crisis, it requires a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy. It is crucial to break the silence. It need grassroots awareness campaigns and community dialogues to challenge entrenched cultural norms and dismantle the stigma surrounding sexual violence. When survivors and community leaders understand the importance of speaking out, they can create a ripple effect that fosters an environment of accountability and support.
Strengthening the justice system represents a critical step. Reforms must ensure that survivors receive both protection and a fair, effective legal process. Train law enforcement and judicial officers to conduct investigations sensitively and thoroughly. Establish specialised units that focus on gender-based violence.
Expanding access to support services in villages such as Kedjom Ketinguh—ranging from medical and psychological care to legal assistance—remains essential. Tailoring such services to meet the needs of children and other vulnerable groups. Authorities can break down the barriers that prevent survivors from coming forward by providing comprehensive care and support.
Finally, tackling the root causes of sexual violence—conflict, poverty, and cultural inequality—requires long-term investment in peace-building, economic development, and education. Only by addressing these underlying factors can Cameroon hope to create a society where every individual is truly safe from sexual violence.
Evelyn Ndi contributed to this report.
