Cameroon President’s Daughter Sparks Controversy with Instagram Post
Brenda Biya, the 26-year-old daughter of Cameroon’s long-standing President Paul Biya, has stirred up a storm of reactions after sharing a photo on Instagram showing her kissing Brazilian model Layyons Valença. The post, captioned “I’m crazy about you & I want the world to know,” with a heart emoji, has ignited debate in a country where same-sex relationships are illegal.
President Paul Biya, at 91 years old, has been in power since 1982, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. In Cameroon, engaging in same-sex acts or relationships can result in up to five years in jail.
Brenda Biya, known in music circles as King Nasty, did not explicitly state her sexuality in the post but later shared an article from Le Monde that reported she had “come out.” The move has drawn both support and criticism. Transgender Cameroonian activist Shakiro praised Biya, suggesting her post could be a “turning point for the LGBTQ+ community in Cameroon,” highlighting the entrenched taboos in the country.
However, the reaction on social media within Cameroon itself has been mixed, with some users posting homophobic comments. Questions have also arisen about whether Biya’s status and connections shield her from the consequences faced by others in similar situations.
Human rights groups have long criticized Cameroon’s laws against LGBT individuals, urging the government to revoke discriminatory laws and uphold human rights for all citizens regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Notably, neither the government nor President Biya has officially commented on the Instagram post.
As the story continues to develop, mainstream media in Cameroon have largely avoided reporting on the incident, given the regulatory risks associated with depicting homosexuality. The BBC reached out to Brenda Biya for comment but has not yet received a response.