Cintia A. , Lebledparle.com
On 4 March 2025, during his trial at the Bonanjo High Court, Bekobe Éric had pleaded guilty to the charges against him. But the sentence delivered on 1 April 2025 was met with surprise and anger: a five-year suspended sentence and a fine of only 52,000 FCFA. That is, the individual will be released at once unless an appeal is filed. This has created a wave of protests from human rights activists and civil society observers. Especially after the autopsy report obtained, revealed she died from “physical violence complicated by internal abdominal hemorrhage.” These initial findings make the decision even more conflicting.
Reactions were swift, particularly from activists and analysts fighting against violence against women. Sociologist Aladin Thiam expressed his outrage “This verdict is an absolute scandal. It is THE NEW LICENSE TO KILL YOUR PARTNER. Men will now be able to say: ‘I will kill you, and I will only receive a suspended sentence.’
Similarly, Diane Mekongo voiced her anger and disbelief “So this is what your life is worth, my sister: 52,000 francs. For taking your life, he only served 13 months. He will continue his life, he will likely remarry and have children. But you, he took that privilege away from you, along with your dreams and aspirations. DOES TRUE JUSTICE EXIST FOR ALL THESE WOMEN SLAUGHTERED LIKE MERE CATTLE?”
In response to public outcry, swift action has been taken. The media outlet Griote reports that an appeal was filed today by lawyer Charlotte Tchakounté and the public prosecutor. The action can reopen the judiciary discussion and challenge the leniency of the initial decision.
This case is far from over…
