In 2026, Brenda Biya, daughter of President Paul Biya, caused a stir by posting a call for romantic interests on a public platform. She specified that she was looking for a woman, based in Yaoundé, who is neat and confident. This unfiltered message quickly generated thousands of reactions, propelling the head of state's daughter's love life into the media spotlight.
In her post, Brenda Biya declares herself single and expresses her desire to find a female partner, ideally residing in Yaoundé. She describes herself as someone who enjoys being in a relationship and aspires to break away from loneliness. Her message concludes with an invitation to her followers to recommend female acquaintances who match this profile.
The direct and unambiguous tone of this announcement is particularly striking. Indeed, Brenda Biya chose to communicate in an open and transparent manner, without resorting to traditional media channels or press services. This unprecedented approach allows direct control of the message, but it comes in a Cameroonian legal context where homosexuality remains criminalized.
According to Article 347-1 of the Cameroonian Penal Code, homosexual relations are punishable by imprisonment for six months to five years, along with a fine. This legislation, in force since 1972, criminalizes homosexual acts for both men and women. In addition, the 2010 law on cybersecurity and cybercrime also punishes online sexual solicitations between people of the same sex.
Brenda Biya's approach, although personal, raises questions about freedom of expression and the rights of LGBTQ+ people in Cameroon. Her status as the president's daughter gives her considerable visibility and influence, which amplifies the reach of her message. However, this same privileged position highlights the persistent inequalities in a country where homosexuality is repressed by law.
In 2024, Brenda Biya had already made headlines by formalizing her relationship with a Brazilian model, Layyons Valença. This stance had sparked mixed reactions, between support and criticism, and had highlighted the complexity of the situation of LGBTQ+ people in Cameroon.
Brenda Biya's publication comes in a context where the rights of sexual minorities are increasingly debated around the world. Her call for romantic interests could help fuel the debate and raise awareness among the Cameroonian public about the issue of homosexuality. It remains to be seen whether this bold initiative will have an impact on the evolution of laws and mentalities in Cameroon.
