Dr. Pauline Nalova Lyonga’s Silence in the Face of Atrocities: A Call for
Accountability in the Aftermath of Brutal Violence and Rape of dozens of
University of Buea Students at the start of the war.
Despite her celebrated career and recent honors—such as the 2022 Woman of the Year and
the 2023-2024 Minister of the Year—it is crucial to confront the dark legacy of Dr. Pauline
Nalova Lyonga’s tenure as Vice Chancellor of the University of Buea (2012-2017). Beneath
the achievements lies an unsettling history of inaction in the face of grave violence inflicted
upon her students—a silence that reverberates as a disturbing reminder of her responsibility
in these brutal acts.
The Horrors That Unfolded Under Her Watch
During the student protests of 2016, Dr. Lyonga’s role as Vice Chancellor placed her
squarely in charge of the University of Buea’s student welfare. Yet, when soldiers invaded
the campus, her silence enabled a harrowing episode of extreme violence. Security forces
descended upon peaceful students, responding with brutality and unspeakable cruelty.
Students were not only violently beaten but also raped by armed personnel. Female students
were dragged from dormitories and public spaces, subject to horrific assaults, many left in a
state of severe physical and emotional trauma.
Reports indicate that Dr. Lyonga, aware of the violence unfolding under her jurisdiction, did
nothing to halt the attacks, console the victims, or bring the perpetrators to justice. The
students who looked to her for protection were met with cold indifference. No statements
were issued to condemn the violence, no safe spaces established for those left traumatized,
and no efforts made to offer counseling or support. Instead, silence and complicity permeated
the institution, signaling to victims and perpetrators alike that their suffering and crimes
would go unacknowledged and unpunished.
Rewarded for Her Silence, Elevated Despite the Pain
Rather than face accountability, Dr. Lyonga’s career advanced: in the wake of her inaction,
she was appointed as Minister of Secondary Education. This elevation sent a chilling message
to the victims of those heinous acts—that in Cameroon, silence in the face of atrocity can be
rewarded. Her ascent underscores a culture of impunity, where those tasked with protecting
the vulnerable instead turn a blind eye, prioritizing self-preservation over duty.
A Legacy That Must Be Confronted
Dr. Lyonga cannot be allowed to stand unaccountable while survivors continue to bear the
scars of those horrifying days. It is time for her to address the consequences of her silence
and take meaningful steps toward atonement. As a prominent figure, she has the
responsibility and power to foster change that can bring solace to survivors and prevent future
tragedies.
Our Call to Dr. Lyonga: Demand Justice for Those Harmed

1. Publicly Recognize the Atrocities: Dr. Lyonga must confront the past and
   acknowledge the suffering of her students, speaking out against the heinous acts
   committed on the University of Buea campus.
2. Demand Accountability and Legal Action: As a former Vice Chancellor and a
   current public servant, she should advocate for an independent investigation, ensuring
   the soldiers and authorities responsible for these violations are held to account.
3. Establish a Trauma Recovery Fund: Collaborate with the government and mental
   health professionals to create a fund supporting survivors of these events, providing
   long-term mental health services and support.
4. Institute and Champion Campus Protection Policies: Push for policies across
   Cameroon’s educational institutions that prioritize student safety, ensuring that those
   in authority never again fail students in their hour of need.
5. Engage Directly with Survivors and Their Families: Dr. Lyonga must initiate
   direct dialogues with the families of those harmed, listening to their stories, offering
   support, and helping build a plan for healing and restitution.
   A Roadmap to Justice and Protection
   If Cameroon can state publicly today that they have launched an investigation to the torture
   of a Francophone musician, they can be forced to launch an investigation into the rape of
   dozens of Anglophone university of Buea students.
   Dr. Lyonga’s path forward must be one of acknowledgment, advocacy, and tangible action.
   As an influential figure, she has the power to be part of a solution, setting a precedent for
   accountability in the Cameroonian educational system and beyond. If Dr. Lyonga truly values
   her position and legacy, she will recognize that no accolade can erase the suffering endured
   by her students or the responsibility she bears for her silence.
   For these students, their families, and for the future of Cameroon’s youth, it is time to act—
   not with indifference, but with a fierce commitment to justice, healing, and transformation.
   The peace plan paper calls for us to seek autonomy so we can vote for and a