Cameroon’s main opposition candidate has fled to Gambia for safety after rejecting results of last month’s presidential election that handed President Paul Biya another term in office.
Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a former government minister who led the Cameroon National Salvation Front, arrived in Gambia on 7 November “for the purpose of ensuring his safety,” according to a statement from the office of Gambian President Adama Barrow. The government described the stay as temporary and on humanitarian grounds while it works toward a peaceful resolution of the crisis.
Crackdown follows disputed vote
Cameroonian authorities have threatened legal action against Tchiroma for allegedly inciting insurrection after he called for “dead city” protests against the official results.
The 12 October election gave 92-year-old Biya 53.7% of the vote, extending his 43-year rule. Tchiroma, who officially received 35.2%, denounced the outcome as fraud. “This is not democracy; it is electoral theft, a constitutional coup as blatant as it is shameful,” he said.
Clashes between protesters and security forces left at least five people dead, according to the government, although opposition and civil society groups say the real toll is far higher.
Biya’s long grip on power
Biya took office in 1982 after the resignation of Cameroon’s first president, Ahmadou Ahidjo. A 2008 constitutional amendment removed term limits, enabling him to run indefinitely. Rights groups accuse his government of widespread repression of political opponents and the media.
Gambia steps in
In a statement posted on Facebook, Gambia said it is working with regional partners, including Nigeria, to find a negotiated solution. The West African nation stressed it will not allow its territory to be used for activities against Cameroon.
Mixed reactions at home
Supporters of Tchiroma expressed anger online. “The true winner is forced to flee while the thief remains in power,” one post on X read. International observers, including the African Union, noted irregularities but did not overturn the result.
Uncertain future
As of Monday, Tchiroma had made no public statement from Gambia. His allies in Cameroon have vowed to continue protests, while security has been stepped up in Yaoundé and Douala.
Biya was sworn in earlier this month in a low-key ceremony. With opposition leaders in exile and unrest persisting, the election has deepened concerns over the state of democracy in Cameroon after more than four decades under one leader.
