The Recognition of Customary Marriages in Cameroon: The Road not taken

This article analyses the recognition of customary marriages in Cameroon. Although the Civil Status Registration Ordinance 1981(CSRO) which is the major law on marriages in Cameroon recognizes some practices associated with customary marriage, it is a dead institution in Cameroon. The study makes use of the qualitative research methodology and the method adopted is the doctrinal method. Findings reveal that marriages celebrated according to native laws and customs must confirm to the requirements for the validity of civil marriages enshrined in the CSRO. For the effective recognition of customary marriages in Cameroon, it is a recommended that a statute should be adopted akin to the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act 120 of 1998 South Africa that regulates to a minimal level the procedure for the registration of customary marriages and also the empowerment of the customary court system to hear matters on customary marriages and divorce arising from such marriages.