In a dramatic turn of events just weeks before Cameroon’s presidential election, FSNC presidential candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary has reconciled with his younger brother and former ally, Hassana Tchiroma, after years of political and personal tensions.
The brothers, once inseparable in both family and politics, had grown apart following Hassana’s reported dismissal from the ranks of the National Front for the Salvation of Cameroon (FSNC). Their rift deepened in recent months when Hassana, alongside a group of former FSNC members, petitioned the Constitutional Council to annul Issa Tchiroma’s candidacy. The petition was dismissed, clearing Issa’s path to contest in the October 2025 polls.
According to media reports, the reconciliation took place this weekend at Issa Tchiroma’s residence in Garoua. Witnesses said the atmosphere was warm and conciliatory, with Hassana pledging his “unconditional support” for his elder brother’s campaign.
Hassana Tchiroma and Issa Tchiroma Praying.
The development has surprised many observers, given that Hassana had only recently urged Cameroonians to back the presidential bid of Bello Bouba Maïgari, leader of the National Union for Democracy and Progress (NUDP). His sudden shift toward Issa is seen as a potential boost to the FSNC’s internal cohesion at a critical juncture.
Political analysts suggest the reconciliation could carry both symbolic and practical weight. For Issa Tchiroma, who has long struggled to expand his party’s base beyond the North, family unity may project an image of stability and consolidate regional support. For Hassana, the move appears to close a turbulent chapter of political estrangement and reposition him within the national political arena.
Still, questions linger about the broader implications of the reunion. “This is more than just a family matter, it’s a strategic political reconciliation,” said one commentator in Garoua. “The timing, so close to the elections, cannot be overlooked.”
As the October polls approach, the Tchiroma brothers’ reunion is being closely watched in Cameroon’s North, where traditional allegiances and family networks play a crucial role in mobilizing the electorate. Whether this newfound unity will translate into meaningful political gains for the FSNC remains to be seen, but for now, the image of the once-divided brothers embracing again has added a fresh twist to the unfolding electoral drama.
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