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The daughter of Cameroon’s president has shared an image in which she is kissing another woman, sparking mixed reactions in a country where same-sex relationships are illegal.
The Instagram post shows 26-year-old Brenda Biya embracing Brazillian model Layyons Valença.
“I’m crazy about you, & I want the world to know,” Ms Biya wrote, adding a love heart emoji.
Her 91-year-old father, Paul Biya, became Cameroon’s president in 1982 and is one of Africa’s longest-ruling leaders.
Those engaging in same-sex acts or relationships in the Central African nation face up to five years in jail.
Ms Biya, a musician based abroad who goes by the name King Nasty, did not explicitly state her sexuality when posting the picture of the kiss.
However, sometime after the image was published, Ms Biya shared an article from Le Monde, in which the French newspaper reported that she had “come out.”.
She also shared other messages from people expressing their support for her.
Transgender Cameroonian activist Shakira was among those who praised Ms Biya, saying her Instagram post could be a “turning point for the LGBTQ+ community in Cameroon.”.
Shapiro said Ms. Biya “is now positioning herself as a voice for social change in a country where taboos are deeply rooted.”.
Shakiro currently resides in Belgium. She sought asylum there after being convicted of “attempted homosexuality” in Cameroon.
Although Ms Biya has been praised by some, several social media users in Cameroon responded to her post with homophobic comments.
Some have speculated whether Ms Biya shared the picture in order to generate a buzz, given her reputation for publishing social media posts that spark controversy among Cameroonians.
