The National Gendarmerie is moving to speed up its response to violence against vulnerable people. In a memorandum dated April 9, 2026, Secretary of State for Defense in charge of the Gendarmerie, Galax Etoga, instructed units to strengthen the handling of gender-based violence, as well as abuse against children and the elderly.
The document, sent to several security and administrative officials, calls on judicial police units to show greater diligence and proactivity in conducting investigations. The chain of command aims to reduce delays and shortcomings that often undermine case outcomes.
The Gendarmerie also requires better-documented case files to support prosecutions more effectively and insists that victims’ confidentiality be ensured throughout case handling.
It further urges units to refer vulnerable victims to the appropriate services to ensure adequate psychosocial support.
The memo also calls for systematic reporting of cases to the Gendarmerie’s gender focal point to improve coordination and data tracking.
The move comes amid growing public concern over violence against women and children. By adopting a tougher stance, the Gendarmerie aims to demonstrate a more effective response to an issue that has gained visibility in public debate.
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