Self-Proclaimed Cameroon President, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, president of the National Salvation Front Party of Cameroon, has called for a three-day nationwide “ghost town” protest from November 3 to 5, urging citizens to stay home in a show of resistance against what he described as falsified election results and state repression.
In a fiery public address released on Friday October 31, 2025, the self-proclaimed president of Cameroon accused the Constitutional Council of “confiscating the will of the people” by announcing results that he claims were “torn away from the truth of the ballot box.”
His message comes amid mounting political tension, widespread arrests, and reports of violent clashes between protesters and security forces across several regions of the country.
“Once again, the will of the people has been confiscated, the sovereignty of the people trampled upon. But this time, the people have risen, standing tall, dignified, and courageous,” he declared.
A Nation in Crisis
According to Issa Tchiroma, the aftermath of the disputed election has left hundreds dead [Unconfirmed] or injured and led to the arbitrary arrest of political leaders, activists, and demonstrators. He described the current situation as one of the gravest in recent decades, drawing parallels to the traumatic events of 1984, when Cameroon experienced a violent military confrontation following a failed coup attempt.
He accused the authorities of responding to peaceful protests with disproportionate force: “Across all regions, from North to South, East to West, Cameroonians expressed themselves peacefully with the only weapon granted to them by the Constitution, their vote. Yet this voice was met with the clash of weapons. Live bullets answered the songs of freedom.”
The veteran politician also condemned what he called the “cynicism and contempt” of those in power, referring to a viral video allegedly showing a senior election official celebrating the ruling party’s victory. “What a shame for our Republic,” he said.
The ‘Ghost Town’ Strategy
Tchiroma’s proposed “ghost town” protest, a tactic involving the complete shutdown of economic and social activity, which according to him, seeks to send a powerful message of nonviolent defiance. He urged citizens to close shops, suspend businesses, and remain indoors during the three days.
“Let the entire country come to a standstill, so that the whole world knows that we are resisting and that we will not yield,” he said. “The strength of an economy is its people and the people no longer recognize this regime as their leader.”
The call echoes similar tactics used in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon in past years, where “ghost town” protests became a hallmark of civil disobedience against perceived marginalization and state oppression. However, those actions often triggered government crackdowns and economic disruption, raising concerns that Tchiroma’s call could provoke further unrest.
A Calculated Act of Defiance
Tchiroma, once a government minister and long-time political figure, has become one of the most outspoken critics of the current administration. His transformation from insider to opposition voice has drawn both admiration and skepticism.
Analysts say his latest move could mark a turning point in Cameroon’s post-election crisis. “Issa Tchiroma’s call for a ghost town is symbolically powerful, but it’s also risky,” said Dr. Alain Fopoussi, a political analyst based in Douala. “If it gains traction, it could paralyze the economy and signal deep public discontent. But if participation is limited, it might expose the opposition’s weakness.”
Government Response and International Concern
As of Friday evening, the government had not issued an official response to Tchiroma’s speech. However, security forces remained deployed in major urban centers, including Yaoundé, Douala, and Far North, with authorities warning against “any attempt to destabilize public order.”
International observers have expressed growing concern about the situation. Human rights organizations have urged both the government and opposition figures to avoid violence and engage in dialogue.
A Call for Unity and Calm
Despite the tone of defiance in his message, Tchiroma also appealed for discipline and restraint among his supporters.
“Let us remain calm, yet determined. Dignified, yet unyielding. The time is no longer for fear or division,” he said. “Our victory will not be stolen. Together, we will win this victory.”
As the announced dates for the protest approach, Cameroonians now face a choice between participation in civil disobedience and the uncertainty of possible confrontation. Whether the “ghost town” will emerge as a unifying act of peaceful resistance or deepen the nation’s divisions remains to be seen.
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