Cameroonian influencer Stéphanelle has recently criticized her fellow influencers for their silence on the ongoing human trafficking scandal shaking the nation.
A complex case of alleged human trafficking has been stirring up heated discussions in Cameroon lately. At the center of the controversy is Cameroonian businessman Hervé Bopda, who is accused of sexually assaulting numerous young women. The outcry has been notable both within Cameroon and internationally, with calls for the condemnation and action against these heinous acts. A movement named “StopBopda,” which includes influencers, singers, TV hosts, and marital coaches, has been formed to demand justice.
Despite the uproar, a conspicuous silence comes from a portion of the influencer community. Stéphanelle, who gained fame as a participant in the first season of the reality show “The Bachelor Francophone Africa,” and now wields influence herself, has voiced her frustration and disappointment at the lack of response from some of her peers.
“You call yourselves influencers, but when it’s time to speak out against atrocities, you’re nowhere to be seen. Today, it’s someone else’s children, but don’t forget that you have children too, the wheel turns. Or are you afraid that by supporting the petition and speaking out, you’ll fall with these rapists, etc. You’re just champions in trying to poke into the lives of your juniors in petty ways for fear of something I don’t know, LOL. The irony, fight for just causes, but we never see you,” she condemned in a post on her Snapchat account.
It should be noted that a Cameroonian whistleblower who had previously named several Cameroonian influencers has elicited reactions from famous businesswomen Nathalie Koah and Coco Emilia.
