MWE Correspondent
Cameroon’s political landscape has been thrown into uncertainty as opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary fled to neighboring Gambia for his safety following the October 2025 presidential election.
The Gambian government confirmed that Tchiroma entered the country on November 7 under humanitarian grounds, providing him protection while regional efforts continue to mediate the post-election unrest.
The October election returned long-time ruler Paul Biya to office for an eighth term, a tenure that now spans over four decades. At 92, Biya is the world’s oldest sitting head of state. According to official results, Biya received 53.7 percent of the vote, while Tchiroma claimed 35.2 percent. However, Tchiroma has rejected these results, asserting that he is the legitimate winner and alleging irregularities in the electoral process. He has gone so far as to declare that Cameroon now has “two presidents”—himself as elected by the people and Biya as installed by constitutional authorities.
The disputed results triggered nationwide protests and violent clashes. Security forces’ attempts to disperse demonstrations reportedly led to numerous civilian casualties, intensifying tensions across the country. In response, Tchiroma called on his supporters to carry out “dead city” operations, urging businesses to close and suspending normal public activities as a form of protest. The Cameroonian government has signaled its intention to take legal action against Tchiroma, accusing him of incitement and attempts to organize civil unrest.
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Tchiroma’s move to Gambia represents both a personal safety measure and a symbolic political statement. From exile, he continues to assert his claim to leadership while drawing attention to what he and his supporters consider flaws in the electoral process. His actions highlight broader concerns about Cameroon’s democratic system, which has been dominated by Biya and a single-party structure for decades.
The international community has expressed concern about the escalating crisis. Human rights organizations have documented the use of live ammunition and excessive force against protesters, emphasizing the need for dialogue and peaceful resolution. Meanwhile, Tchiroma remains a figurehead for the opposition, maintaining calls for civic action while residing temporarily in Gambia, where the government has assured his protection is purely humanitarian and non-political.
Since gaining independence from France in 1960, Cameroon has seen only two leaders. Biya’s extended tenure has been marked by efforts to suppress dissent and consolidate power, while opposition leaders like Tchiroma now challenge the political status quo. The unfolding situation illustrates the complex dynamics of governance, legitimacy, and citizen activism in Cameroon’s contemporary political history.
