Cameroon’s opposition leader, Issa Tchiroma Bakary of the Front for the National Salvation of Cameroon (FNSC), has fled to The Gambia following violent protests over the October elections, which returned President Paul Biya to power.
The Gambian government confirmed that Tchiroma was allowed entry into the country on November 7 “on humanitarian grounds” to ensure his safety while efforts continue to resolve the political crisis in Cameroon through peaceful and diplomatic channels.
Biya, who has led Cameroon for 43 years, was sworn in for an eighth term this month after securing 53.7% of the official vote.
Tchiroma, a former government minister, officially received 35.2% of the vote but claims he is the true winner, declaring, “There are now two presidents, the president elected by the Cameroonian people (me) and the president appointed by the Constitutional Council (whom you know).”
In the weeks surrounding the election, violent clashes erupted as security forces cracked down on opposition protests, resulting in multiple fatalities.
Tchiroma has repeatedly encouraged his supporters to protest the official results, including calls for “dead city” operations, urging shops to close and public activities to halt.
Cameroon’s government has indicated plans to pursue legal action against Tchiroma for his “repeated calls for insurrection.”
At 92 years old, Biya is the world’s oldest head of state and has only been the second person to lead Cameroon since its independence from France in 1960.
His administration has been widely criticized for repressing political and armed opposition.
