Cameroon – “Irène Biya”: the name Essola let slip in front of Chantal Biya

On October 31, 2026, at the Yaoundé Palais des Congrès, actor Salomon Tatmfo Essola received a special Canal d’Or award at the ceremony’s 15th edition, which marked its 20th anniversary. In his thank-you remarks, he said “Irène Biya” instead of the expected name, “Chantal Biya,” who was in the room. The slip, caught on camera, prompted reactions on social media.