Cameroonian President’s Daughter Publicly Backs Opposition Ahead of Election
Yaoundé, cameroon – Brenda Biya, the 27-year-old daughter of Cameroonian president Paul Biya, has publicly signaled support for opposition candidates ahead of the country’s October 12th presidential election, a move that challenges her father’s decades-long grip on power. the unexpected endorsement,delivered through social media,comes as President biya,92,seeks an eighth term in office after 43 years leading the nation.
Biya’s public stance is particularly notable given Cameroon’s laws criminalizing same-sex relationships and the controversy surrounding her July 2024 revelation of her relationship with Brazilian model Layyons Valença. That disclosure, intended to highlight the country’s anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, reportedly drew both public reaction and familial pressure. Her recent actions represent a meaningful break from her family’s political standing and could galvanize opposition support in a country where political dissent is often suppressed.
Brenda Biya has become a prominent figure in Cameroon in recent years, largely through her active presence on social media. She previously sparked controversy with her public coming out, sharing images of herself with Valença on Instagram. The post aimed to draw attention to Cameroon’s laws against homosexuality, which carry potential criminal penalties.
The publication of her relationship prompted a mixed response, with some praising her courage and others criticizing her defiance of Cameroonian law. Reports indicate family members urged her to remove the post.
The upcoming election is widely seen as a critical juncture for Cameroon, a nation grappling with economic challenges and political stagnation. President Biya’s long tenure has been marked by accusations of authoritarianism and corruption, fueling calls for change. Brenda Biya’s unexpected intervention adds a new layer of complexity to the political landscape, possibly influencing voter sentiment and the outcome of the election.
