Cameroon Opposition Leader Seeks Refuge in Gambia After Disputed Election
According to a statement released by the Gambian government on Sunday, Tchiroma was admitted into the country on November 7 “on humanitarian grounds” to ensure his safety as diplomatic efforts continue to ease post-election tensions in Cameroon
Cameroon’s opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary has fled to The Gambia, claiming threats to his safety following a disputed presidential election that returned long-time leader Paul Biya to power amid violent unrest
According to a statement released by the Gambian government on Sunday, Tchiroma was admitted into the country on November 7 “on humanitarian grounds” to ensure his safety as diplomatic efforts continue to ease post-election tensions in Cameroon
The October 2025 vote saw Biya, 92, sworn in for an eighth term, extending his 43-year rule. Official results placed him at 53.7 percent against Tchiroma’s 35.2 percent
However, Tchiroma has rejected the outcome, insisting he is the rightful winner and declaring that Cameroon now has “two presidents – the one elected by the people, and the one appointed by the Constitutional Council”
His calls for mass protests and “dead city” shutdowns have escalated tensions, with several deaths reported as security forces cracked down on opposition rallies before and after Biya’s declaration as president
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The Cameroonian government has since announced its intention to pursue legal action against Tchiroma for what it terms “repeated calls for insurrection”
Paul Biya, one of the world’s longest-serving leaders, has governed Cameroon with a tight grip since 1982, facing accusations of suppressing political dissent and armed opposition throughout his tenure
Tensions remain high as mediation efforts continue, with the political future of the Central African nation hanging in the balance
