Nearly a year after the murder of little Mathis Ouandji, the courts have reached a verdict. The Tribunal de Grande Instance du Mfoundi has sentenced Dagobert NwaFo to death. He must also pay 525 million FCFA to the victim's family.

The verdict fell on March 18, 2026 in Yaoundé. The judges found the accused guilty of murdering the 5-year-old boy. They pronounced an execution by shooting, in accordance with the legal provisions in force.

The case dates back to May 10, 2025, in the Ngoa-Ekellé district. On that day, an altercation broke out in a drinking establishment between the child's father and Dagobert NwaFo. The assailant then left the scene and went to his opponent's home. There, he attacked the child with several fatal blows.

This tragedy shook public opinion to the core. Mathys lost his life just as he was about to have breakfast. The emotion aroused by this crime immediately rekindled calls for justice.

A judicial decision that reopens the debate on the death penalty

However, this ruling reopens the debate on the death penalty in Cameroon. The law provides for the death penalty for certain serious crimes, notably murder. However, the country has not applied it in practice since 1997, when the last execution was carried out.

However, the 2016 Penal Code provides a framework for this penalty. Article 22 specifies the terms of execution and requires that all legal remedies be exhausted. In addition, all death sentences are transmitted to the President of the Republic, who can grant a presidential pardon.

Today, opinion remains divided. Some citizens call for the effective application of the penalty to combat crime. Others point to human rights and doubt its effectiveness. All eyes are now on Etoudi, awaiting a possible presidential decision.

Anita MENOUNGA