In Cameroon’s civil law, marriage is founded on the principle of free will. Every individual possesses the absolute right to select their own spouse and give personal consent to the union.
Legal provisions emphasize that this consent must be freely given and informed, free from any form of coercion or violence.
Cultural practices vs. legal rights
Despite these legal safeguards, traditional customs in certain communities continue to dictate marital choices. In the West region of Cameroon, for example, many families still prioritize parental approval when arranging marriages for their children.
Waffo Marie Chantal, a resident of Madagascar neighborhood in Yaoundé, shares her perspective: «When a parent selects a bride for their son, the intention is to prevent him from choosing unwisely. The family conducts an exhaustive background check spanning generations. They verify that the prospective in-laws are not known for laziness or other undesirable traits. Once mutual agreement is reached among the families, the couple is informed, and the wedding proceeds according to local customs.»
She underscores that, in her community, marriages are seen as unions between families rather than individuals.
Generational divide over marital choices
This traditional approach faces strong opposition from younger generations. Audrey Wandji, who lives in Biyem-Assi, voices her firm stance: «We no longer live in an era where parents dictate marital partners for their daughters. I would never accept such an arrangement. I want a man I can love wholeheartedly—and that can only be someone I have chosen myself.»
