Cameroonian opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary, contesting the results of the October 12 presidential election, has fled to The Gambia for his safety, according to the Gambian government.
Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he is the legitimate winner of the election, accusing authorities of rigging the results to secure an eighth term for President Paul Biya, 92. The Gambian Information Ministry confirmed on Sunday that Tchiroma Bakary arrived in The Gambia on November 7 and was granted temporary stay on humanitarian grounds.
The Cameroonian government had threatened to prosecute Tchiroma Bakary for allegedly inciting post-election violence, an allegation he denies, blaming security forces for the crackdown on protesters. Official figures report 16 deaths during post-election unrest, though independent organizations suggest higher casualties.
Tchiroma Bakary has vowed to continue opposing Biya’s government until his claimed victory is recognised. Biya, the world’s oldest sitting president, secured 53.7% of the vote, while Tchiroma Bakary, a former long-serving government official, received 35.2%. His resistance has included street protests and “ghost town” operations intended to paralyze urban centers.
Prior to confirmation by Gambian authorities, Tchiroma Bakary’s location had been unknown, with speculation suggesting he may have fled to another country in the region. The Gambian government emphasized that his stay is purely humanitarian, under African solidarity, and to ensure his safety while diplomatic solutions are pursued. It also stressed that The Gambia would not serve as a base for subversive activity against any nation.
The announcement drew criticism from The Gambia’s main opposition party, the United Democratic Party (UDP), which condemned the delayed disclosure of Tchiroma Bakary’s arrival. The UDP questioned transparency and accountability but welcomed the fact that he found “safe sanctuary” in The Gambia, highlighting awareness of how authoritarian regimes treat dissenters.
