Vanessa Tchatchou, whose baby was stolen in 2011, recently sent an emotional message to her missing daughter. Officially registered as a pupil lawyer as of September 13, 2024, Vanessa’s path has been shaped by her unwavering fight to find the child taken from her immediately after birth at the Gyneco-Obstetrics and Pediatric Hospital in Ngousso, Yaoundé.
In an interview on Canal 2’s show “L’INVITÉ DE LA SEMAINE,” Vanessa addressed her daughter, now 13, with a heartfelt message.
“My daughter, this is your biological mother speaking, your mum, your mentor, your everything, your god on earth. I can imagine the strength you have, the courage and determination you have, and even the intelligence and wisdom at your young age. Work hard because that’s what I’m doing, that’s what I do. That’s why I left you a message saying, ‘We grow from one step at a time.’ This is just the beginning of a beautiful and great story. The world is going to hear, the world is going to see you and your mum… I love you with all my heart. Get out of that hole in which they put you.”
A Painful Search for Truth
Her words reflect the depth of her pain and her fierce determination to reunite with her daughter. Despite the years that have passed, Vanessa Tchatchou remains resolute in uncovering the truth about her child’s disappearance. She claims to know who took her daughter and insists that both the Cameroonian government and its people are aware of the person responsible. However, she struggles to understand why no one has helped her recover her child.
“I don’t understand why the Cameroonian government does not help me to recuperate my child, meanwhile they know who has my child,” she shared.
Even after over a decade, the loss still weighs heavily on Vanessa. She admits she never anticipated the hurt would last this long, especially since she believes she knows where her daughter is. But through her pain, Vanessa has drawn strength from the support of her fellow Cameroonians. Her decision to become a lawyer was born not out of a desire for revenge, but to help others facing similar challenges. Becoming a lawyer was always her dream, but the loss of her child gave her a deeper understanding of the profession’s importance.
Threats and Perseverance
Vanessa is determined to continue her education and has aspirations of one day earning a doctorate. She recalled how late journalist Suzanne Kala-Lobè’s harsh criticism during a TV interview about her case pushed her to pursue her studies. Although Kala-Lobè was unsympathetic at the time, her words motivated Vanessa to prove herself.
“I still remember when my story was on TV. When they asked, ‘What do you think about the Vanessa affair?’ they’d say, ‘She’s a young girl who was sent to school, but she didn’t go. Then she got pregnant. Now you’re bothering people.’ It reminds me of Suzanne Kala-Lobè, who was very harsh towards me back then. She said, ‘If you didn’t go to school, you shouldn’t even be talked about.’ But she’s the one who gave me strength. And I said, ‘I’ll go to school. I’ll become a doctor, that’s the minimum.’”
Vanessa also described the many hardships she faced during her quest to find her daughter, including threats of violence. Her mother was even threatened with her death. Despite the danger, Vanessa remains committed to staying in Cameroon, hopeful that one day she will be reunited with her child.
In addition to her legal aspirations, Vanessa Tchatchou hopes to share her story through a book or documentary, shedding light on her experiences.
In a country where justice is often elusive and free expression is limited, there are concerns for Vanessa’s safety as she continues her relentless pursuit. While many commend her courage and perseverance, others remain skeptical about her chances of success. Some have even accused her of being involved in a mafia and selling her own child—allegations she firmly denies.
