Cameroon’s opposition figure Issa Tchiroma Bakary has fled to The Gambia, citing safety concerns following the contested October elections, the Gambian government confirmed on Sunday.
Tchiroma, a former government minister, entered Gambia on November 7 “on humanitarian grounds” to ensure his safety while diplomatic discussions continue to address the post-electoral tensions in Cameroon.
The October elections returned President Paul Biya to power for an eighth term, sparking mass protests and a violent crackdown. Biya, 92, the world’s oldest sitting head of state, secured 53.7 percent of the official vote, while Tchiroma received 35.2 percent. However, Tchiroma claims he is the legitimate winner, stating, “there are now two presidents — the president elected by the Cameroonian people (me) and the president appointed by the Constitutional Council.”
Following the election, Tchiroma repeatedly encouraged his supporters to protest, which led to several deaths during confrontations with security forces. He has urged the opposition to carry out “dead city” operations, temporarily shutting down shops and other public services as a form of protest against Biya’s win.
The Cameroonian government has announced plans to pursue legal action against Tchiroma, accusing him of “repeated calls for insurrection.”
Biya, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982, is only the second leader the country has had since independence from France in 1960. His tenure has been marked by a firm grip on power, with a history of repressing both political and armed opposition.
The flight of Tchiroma to Gambia underscores growing instability in Cameroon and highlights the ongoing struggle over the legitimacy of the October elections. As discussions continue, the international community is watching closely for potential diplomatic solutions to the unrest in the country.
