The National President of the National Salvation Front Party in Cameroon (FSNC) and presidential hopeful, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, brought the heart of Bamenda to a standstill on Saturday, as he launched his 2025 presidential campaign with a powerful blend of apology, self-reflection, and promise for national renewal.
Speaking before a massive crowd at Liberty Square (City Chemist Roundabout) after a tour of some major junctions in Bamenda I, II and III Subdivisions, the former Minister of Communication revisited his controversial role during the early days of the Anglophone crisis, a subject that once made him one of the most criticized figures in the Anglophone regions.
“When I was government spokesperson, I said there was no Anglophone problem,” Tchiroma admitted. “I said it, and I will not deny it. But as a government spokesman, I had no choice; I was only a messenger. I spoke the words I was told to speak. I suffered too, but I could not refuse.”
With visible emotion, the 2025 presidential candidate asked for forgiveness from the people of the North West, declaring that his new political mission is one of reconciliation and reconstruction.
“If I hurt you, please forgive me,” he said. “Even God forgives us when we offend Him. I am asking for the same from you. Today, I am free, and I owe you one thing, prosperity.”
“It Is Time to Send Him on Retirement”
Issa Tchiroma’s speech also carried a fierce critique of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) and its long-serving leader, President Paul Biya, whose 43-year rule he said has “exhausted its course.”
“On October 12, I ask you to send him home peacefully, respectfully, but firmly,” he said to loud cheers. “The job is now bigger than his strength. It is time to rest. Let us thank him for his service and turn the page.”
Tchiroma accused the CPDM of “mastering the art of cheating and ballot-stuffing,” urging voters to remain at polling stations after casting their votes to “defend the truth of the ballot box.”
“The only result acceptable is the one that comes from the ballot box not from fabrication,” he declared.
A Message of Unity and Shared Nationhood
Moving beyond political attacks, the FSNC leader anchored his campaign message on unity, equity, and national healing.
“There is only one Cameroon, no spare part,” he said passionately. “Whether we like it or not, we must live together. Let us make peace among ourselves, irrespective of tribe, religion, or political party. If everyone gets a fair share of the national cake, there will be no reason to fight.”
He promised to open “a new chapter of genuine dialogue” once elected, including the release of political prisoners and the recognition of dual nationality for Cameroonians in the diaspora.
“Our brothers and sisters abroad are a vital part of this nation. I will give them dual nationality and encourage them to come home, invest, and rebuild the country,” he said.
“Bamenda Will Rise Again”
The former minister praised the people of Bamenda for their resilience, calling the city “the heartbeat of Cameroon’s intellect and enterprise.”
“Bamenda will once again be one of the most prosperous regions of Cameroon,” Tchiroma assured. “You have talent, intelligence, and courage. With good leadership, this region will rise again.”
He pledged to prioritize youth employment, vocational training, and equitable exploitation of natural resources.
“We are sitting on gold, oil, and minerals, yet our sons and daughters are unemployed. That is proof of the incompetence of those in power. I will build a team of young, knowledgeable Cameroonians to lead this nation to prosperity.”
A New Dawn on the Horizon
As the rally came to a close, Issa Tchiroma’s supporters chanted his name, waving party posters and shouting slogans of change. The 74-year-old politician, who once embodied government orthodoxy, now cast himself as a messenger of reconciliation and reform.
“The sun that will rise on October 13 will mark a new beginning for Cameroon,” he said, raising his hands to the crowd. “May God bless our nation. May He give me the strength to serve you. Together, we will rebuild Cameroon.”
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