Wayne Lumbasi
Cameroon is facing escalating political turmoil as opposition heavyweight Issa Tchiroma Bakary sought refuge in The Gambia, citing serious threats to his safety following a bitterly contested presidential election.
Tchiroma, who challenged the country’s long-time ruler Paul Biya, was welcomed by Gambian authorities, who emphasized that the hosting is “purely on humanitarian grounds in the spirit of African solidarity,” aimed at protecting him during a fraught post-election period.
The vote saw Biya officially re-elected with 53.66% of the vote, but Tchiroma rejects the results, calling the election “electoral theft .. a constitutional coup.” He insists he is the true winner and has urged his supporters to demonstrate dissent through “dead city” protests, calling on citizens to shut down shops and remain home.
The post-election unrest has already turned deadly. Protests erupted across several cities, including Douala, Garoua, and Maroua. The government reports 16 fatalities, while other sources suggest the death toll could be far higher, with dozens of civilians killed by security forces.
Adding to the complexity, Tchiroma says he was escorted out of Cameroon by soldiers loyal to him, a claim hinting at fissures within the military. In a message to supporters, he called for a national shutdown to express unity and resistance.
Gambia, for its part, stresses that its territory will not be used for subversive activity against Cameroon. Authorities say they are coordinating with regional partners, notably Nigeria, to help broker a diplomatic resolution.
Meanwhile, the Cameroonian government has threatened legal action against Tchiroma, accusing him of incitement and calls for insurrection.
Tchiroma’s flight and the ongoing protests signal a dangerous moment for Cameroon, highlighting the fragile state of its political landscape. The situation underscores the urgent need for dialogue and regional mediation to prevent further instability and restore confidence in the country’s democratic process.
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