Cameroonian opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who is contesting the outcome of the presidential election, has fled to The Gambia for his safety, The Gambian government has said. Tchiroma Bakary has insisted he is the legitimate winner of the 12 October election, alleging that the result was rigged to give President Paul Biya, 92, an eighth term.
The Gambian information ministry announced that Tchiroma Bakary arrived on 7 November and was permitted to stay on humanitarian grounds. Following the election, the Cameroon government threatened to prosecute him for allegedly inciting violent demonstrations, claims which he denied, attributing the unrest to security forces' actions against protesters.
The government reported 16 deaths linked to post-election violence, but estimates from various organizations suggest the toll may be higher. Tchiroma Bakary has repeatedly vowed to oppose Biya's regime until his rightful victory is acknowledged. The President has been in office for 43 years, and Biya was proclaimed the election winner with 53.7% of the vote amid widespread allegations of fraud, while Tchiroma Bakary secured 35.2%.
His strategies have included calls for street protests and initiatives aimed at paralyzing urban areas. Until the Gambian government confirmed his location, his whereabouts remained uncertain, with speculation on potential flights to neighboring countries.
Gambian authorities clarified they would provide a safe haven while pursuing peaceful resolutions to Cameroon’s post-election tensions, ensuring that their territory would not be used for hostile actions against any state. The arrival was met with scrutiny from The Gambia's main opposition party, which raised concerns about governmental transparency but expressed support for Tchiroma Bakary's sanctuary in the country.
The Gambian information ministry announced that Tchiroma Bakary arrived on 7 November and was permitted to stay on humanitarian grounds. Following the election, the Cameroon government threatened to prosecute him for allegedly inciting violent demonstrations, claims which he denied, attributing the unrest to security forces' actions against protesters.
The government reported 16 deaths linked to post-election violence, but estimates from various organizations suggest the toll may be higher. Tchiroma Bakary has repeatedly vowed to oppose Biya's regime until his rightful victory is acknowledged. The President has been in office for 43 years, and Biya was proclaimed the election winner with 53.7% of the vote amid widespread allegations of fraud, while Tchiroma Bakary secured 35.2%.
His strategies have included calls for street protests and initiatives aimed at paralyzing urban areas. Until the Gambian government confirmed his location, his whereabouts remained uncertain, with speculation on potential flights to neighboring countries.
Gambian authorities clarified they would provide a safe haven while pursuing peaceful resolutions to Cameroon’s post-election tensions, ensuring that their territory would not be used for hostile actions against any state. The arrival was met with scrutiny from The Gambia's main opposition party, which raised concerns about governmental transparency but expressed support for Tchiroma Bakary's sanctuary in the country.
