Fleeing Hair Dresser
By Staff Reporter
A hairdresser in Yaoundé, Cameroon says she fled her home because of threats from her husband after he discovered she was in a relationship with another woman.
The woman, whose identity is being withheld for security reasons, said the incident began on 11 June 2025, when her female partner visited her at their home.
According to her account, her husband returned unexpectedly and realised that the visitor was more than a client.
“He realised we were in a relationship,” she said. “He became extremely angry and confronted us.”
She stated that the situation escalated rapidly that same morning, when her husband allegedly chased her with a machete, forcing both women to flee the house immediately.
Fearing further violence, the woman said she sought temporary refuge with a friend.
According to her account, news of the incident quickly spread within the neighbourhood, increasing tensions around her situation.
On 12 June 2025, the woman said the situation escalated further when her husband returned with what she described as a summons from the Gendarmerie, accusing her of engaging in homosexual activity.
Same-sex relations remain criminalised in Cameroon under Article 347-1 of the Penal Code, which allows prison sentences ranging from six months to five years, as well as fines, for individuals found guilty of same-sex conduct.
International human rights organisations, including Human Rights Watch, have documented arrests, harassment and violence targeting individuals suspected of same-sex relationships in Cameroon.
The woman said that, fearing arrest and further violence, she decided to leave the country.
With assistance from a friend, she travelled to Egypt, where she has since sought safety.
She stated that the events had severe consequences for her family.
According to her account, the stress surrounding the incident deeply affected her father, who later suffered a fatal heart attack.
“The situation destroyed my life,” she said. “I lost my home and my family because of who I am.”
The woman is now seeking protection abroad.