By Njoh Linda
Cameroon’s first lady, Chantal Biya, is a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for “Education and Social Inclusion” but her consistent silence amid reoccurring cases of child abuse and rape in the country is raising concern among citizens.
Some citizens began questioning Chantal Biya’s silence following public outrage about the alleged raping of a three-year-old pupil in Yaounde—a case that has triggered massive response from official and private actors nationwide.
But Chantal Biya has remained quiet. Her silence has triggered questions as what to her role as a UNESCO goodwill ambassador entails, when she is not seen standing up for victims of abuse.
According to UNESCO, goodwill ambassadors are expected to use their influence and visibility to promote the organization’s values, support vulnerable groups, and raise awareness on key social issues.
Chantal Biya was appointed to the role in recognition of what UNESCO described as her support for inclusive education, girls’ education, social inclusion, and HIV/AIDS-related advocacy through the UNESCO profile information linked to her humanitarian activities and the Chantal Biya Foundation.
But as Cameroon faces repeated cases of rape and abuse involving children, critics and civil society observers continue to question the apparent silence of the First Lady on issues directly affecting the safety, dignity, and education of children especially girls.
The debate has intensified following several disturbing cases reported across the country in recent years.
In February 2025, authorities in Bamenda presented a suspect accused of raping 13 children, with the youngest victim reportedly only two years old.
The case shocked many Cameroonians and renewed concerns over child protection mechanisms.
Months earlier, in December 2024, a man in the West Region faced trial over allegations involving the rape of underaged children, again sparking national outrage over violence against minors.
In June 2025, another case emerged in Douala where a man was reportedly facing trial for sexually abusing his six children.
Most recently, in May 2026, the rape of three-year-old Joyce Nawal reignited public anger and renewed fears about the safety of children, particularly within and around school environments.
These repeated incidents have fueled criticism from activists who argue that symbolic titles and humanitarian branding must translate into visible advocacy, sustained campaigns, and concrete protection measures for vulnerable children.
UNESCO states that its Goodwill Ambassadors are expected to “raise public awareness” of UNESCO’s mission and values through public engagement, advocacy, and initiatives.
Yet critics argue that Cameroon has witnessed very limited public interventions from Chantal Biya specifically addressing child rape, gender-based violence, or the insecurity affecting children’s access to safe education spaces.
Questions have also been raised about the visibility and impact of the Chantal Biya Foundation in responding to the growing crisis of sexual violence against women and children.
While the foundation has historically focused on health and humanitarian activities, observers say there has been little nationally visible advocacy specifically targeting child sexual abuse prevention, trauma support, legal reform, or school safety campaigns despite the increasing number of reported cases.
For many rights advocates, the issue goes beyond symbolism.
They argue that a UNESCO ambassador for education and social inclusion carries moral influence that could help mobilize national attention, pressure institutions into action, and amplify the voices of survivors.
The continuing cases of abuse have, therefore, led to a broader public debate in Cameroon: what responsibility should internationally recognized public figures carry when vulnerable children continue to face violence, often in silence?
As outrage grows over the rape and abuse of minors in the country, many Cameroonians say they are still waiting for stronger public leadership, sustained advocacy, and concrete action from those entrusted with defending education, inclusion, and the protection of children.
