Limbe Deputy Mayor Calls for End to Child Abuse

Karen M. Tanga, 1st Deputy City Mayor, Limbe City Council.

Karen M. Tanga, 1st Deputy City Mayor of Limbe City Council, has urged communities in Limbe, Fako Division, in the South West Region, to take stronger action against child abuse, saying children remain vulnerable because many cases are ignored or hidden within families.

The Global Peace Builder made the remarks during a recent public address in Limbe, where she spoke on the growing need to protect children from violence, exploitation, and neglect.

Addressing parents, teachers, religious leaders, and local authorities, she said abuse against children should never be mistaken for discipline or cultural practice. “Child abuse is not discipline,” she said. “Beating a child until they bleed is abuse. Sending a child to work late into the night is abuse.”

She warned that many children across communities such as New Town, Bota, Batoke, Bimbia, and Mile 4 continue to suffer in silence because neighbours and relatives are unwilling to report abuse.

Karen Tang Takes Campaign to the Streets of Limbe.

According to her, physical violence, emotional abuse, sexual exploitation, and child labour remain major concerns affecting vulnerable children in the city. She reminded residents that Cameroonian laws criminalize child abuse and exploitation but stressed that public cooperation is necessary for authorities to act effectively. “If you see abuse, report it,” she said. “Silence protects the abuser, not the child.”

The deputy mayor encouraged residents to report suspected cases to social affairs services, local authorities, the police, or through the national child helpline, 116.

In a direct warning to perpetrators, Karen Tanga said authorities would no longer overlook crimes committed against children under the excuse of family privacy. “The days when people said it was a family matter are over,” she declared.

She also addressed children directly, urging victims of abuse to speak out and seek help from trusted adults, teachers, pastors, or neighbours. “You are not the problem,” she said. “You deserve protection.”

She called on families, schools, churches, and community leaders to work together in creating a safer environment for children across Limbe. “Let us make Limbe the safest city for a child in Cameroon,” she said.

The speech has generated discussion among residents and youth advocates in Limbe, with many welcoming the city official’s public stance on child protection.