Cameroonian opposition figure Issa Tchiroma Bakary has resurfaced in The Gambia after fleeing his country in the wake of mounting post-election tensions. The Gambian government confirmed his presence on Sunday, saying he arrived on 7 November and was granted a temporary stay on humanitarian grounds.
Tchiroma, who has rejected the official result of Cameroon’s 12 October presidential election, claims he is the rightful winner and accuses the government of President Paul Biya, 92, of orchestrating large-scale fraud to secure an eighth term in office.
Cameroon’s electoral commission declared Biya the victor with 53.7%, while Tchiroma followed with 35.2%.
A Political Ally Turned Chief Challenger
A former minister and long-time spokesperson in Biya’s government, Tchiroma has transformed into one of the president’s most vocal critics. His shift from insider to opposition leader has reshaped the political landscape, earning him significant grassroots support and placing him at the center of the country’s most contested election in decades.
Following the release of the results, Tchiroma called for nationwide protests and “ghost town” shutdowns meant to paralyze major cities. Authorities accused him of inciting violence, an allegation he denies while security forces launched a heavy crackdown on demonstrators. The government acknowledges 16 deaths, though independent organizations suggest the toll is considerably higher.
Flight Into Uncertainty
For weeks, Tchiroma’s whereabouts were unknown as speculation grew about his safety. His departure came amid reports that Cameroonian authorities intended to prosecute him, a move rights groups argued would further escalate tensions.
The Gambian Ministry of Information said Tchiroma’s stay is strictly temporary and framed it as a gesture of African solidarity. The statement emphasized that The Gambia “will not serve as a base for subversive activity against any state,” signalling an effort to balance humanitarian concerns with diplomatic caution.
Gambian Opposition Questions Government Silence
News of Tchiroma’s presence has triggered political ripples in Banjul. The United Democratic Party (UDP) sharply criticized the government for waiting more than a week to make the information public, calling the delay “a troubling failure of transparency and accountability.”
Despite its criticism, the UDP said it was proud that The Gambia could offer “safe sanctuary” to a political figure fleeing repression, noting its own experience with authoritarianism.
A Crisis Without Clear Resolution
As diplomatic discussions continue, Tchiroma remains adamant that he will not concede. He insists that only recognition of what he calls his “true victory” can end the crisis. Meanwhile, President Biya, Africa’s longest-serving elected leader after 43 years in power—shows no sign of backing down.
With tensions still simmering in Cameroon and regional governments treading cautiously, the political standoff appears far from over. Tchiroma’s presence in The Gambia may offer temporary safety, but it underscores the deepening uncertainty facing Cameroon’s political future.
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