Cameroon Opposition Leader Flees to Gambia

Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a leading opposition figure in Cameroon, has fled his country and been granted entry into The Gambia on “humanitarian grounds,” the Gambian government confirmed Sunday.

The move is intended to ensure his safety while diplomatic efforts address post-election tensions in Cameroon.

Tchiroma was the main challenger to incumbent President Paul Biya in the recent October election, which saw the 92-year-old Biya sworn in for an eighth term after 43 years in power.

Cameroon: Tchiroma Urges Peaceful Transition — Cameroonian opposition figure Issa Tchiroma Bakary. Credit: TV5MONDE

Official results gave Biya 53.7% of the vote, compared to Tchiroma’s 35.2%.

Tchiroma, however, has contested the outcome, claiming he is the true winner and repeatedly urging his supporters to protest against the results through rallies and “dead city” operations.

Following reports of deaths during security crackdowns on opposition protests, the Cameroonian government announced plans to initiate legal proceedings against Tchiroma for “repeated calls for insurrection.”

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.