Brenda Biya Urges Citizens to Shun Paul Biya

Brenda Biya, daughter of Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, shocked the nation by urging citizens not to vote for her father in the 2025 election (image source)

In an unprecedented public break with her father, Brenda Biya, the only daughter of Cameroonian President Paul Biya, has urged citizens not to vote for him in next month’s election. The 27-year-old made the appeal in a 90-second TikTok video posted on 19 September from Geneva, Switzerland, accusing her family of mistreatment and emotional neglect.

Brenda’s Message

“I will not vote for Paul Biya. I hope there will be another president,” Brenda declared, vowing to “cut all ties” with her parents. She further alleged that her uncle sought her demise and that her family had “betrayed” her and inflicted pain on people close to her.

The video quickly went viral, gaining traction among Cameroonian youth online.

Political Impact

Analysts say Brenda’s intervention could prove pivotal in an election long seen as predictable.Dr. Jean Lalou of the University of Yaoundé called the video “a seismic shock in Cameroonian politics,” noting that open dissent from within a ruling dynasty is almost unheard of in Central Africa. “Brenda’s intervention could embolden opposition turnout, especially among urban youth disillusioned by decades of Biya rule,” he said.

Opposition leader Maurice Kamto responded on X (formerly Twitter), arguing that Brenda’s stance vindicates calls for democratic renewal. Social-media influencer Marie Nzali added: “Brenda’s courage reveals cracks in the Biya fortress — a turning point for Cameroon’s election.”

Official Silence and Background

The Cameroonian presidency has yet to respond, and state media have remained silent.

President Paul Biya, now 92, has ruled since 1982 and is seeking an eighth term in office despite allegations of corruption, human-rights abuses, and the unresolved Anglophone crisis. Past elections have been marred by irregularities and restrictions on press freedom.

Brenda, educated in France and Switzerland, previously drew controversy in 2024 when she publicly came out as homosexual — a taboo in Cameroon, where LGBTQ+ rights remain criminalised. Until now, her TikTok account, with more than 300,000 followers, focused on lifestyle and dance content rather than political commentary.

Regional Perspective

Observers in Zimbabwe drew parallels with dynastic critiques at home, though they cautioned that Yaoundé’s heavy state control over media could mute the impact of Brenda’s video domestically. “In Cameroon, online content is swiftly blocked,” said Zimbabwean digital-rights advocate Chido Madziva.

Cameroon’s election is scheduled for 17 October 2025, with Brenda’s message adding new uncertainty over voter sentiment and regime stability.