Cameroun marriage traditions clash with modern freedom

In Cameroon’s civil law framework, marriage is built on the principle of nuptial freedom, ensuring every individual possesses the absolute right to choose their spouse and give personal consent to the union.

Legally, this consent must be both free and informed, entirely devoid of coercion or violence. Yet, despite these legal safeguards, traditional practices in certain communities continue to undermine this principle by allowing parents to select spouses for their children.

In the West region of Cameroon, this practice remains deeply rooted. Waffo Marie Chantal, a resident of the Madagascar neighborhood in Yaoundé, explains the reasoning behind it: “When a parent selects a bride for their son, it is to shield him from making a poor choice. The parent meticulously examines the prospective family across generations to ensure they are not known for laziness or misconduct. Once satisfied, they arrange meetings with the other family, and upon mutual agreement, the couple is informed and the marriage proceeds according to local customs.”

She emphasizes that in her community, marriage is seen as a union between families, not individuals.

However, this tradition is increasingly contested by younger generations. Audrey Wandji, who lives in the Biyem-Assi neighborhood, firmly rejects the notion of arranged marriages: “We are no longer in an era where parents dictate who their daughters marry. I could never accept such a practice. I want a partner I love wholeheartedly—and that can only be someone I have chosen myself.”