Cameroon’s political crisis deepened after the presidential election results were announced. Opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary has forcefully rejected the outcome.
He insists he will continue his fight until he achieves a “final victory” against long-serving incumbent, Paul Biya.
Tchiroma delivered a scathing public critique of the ruling regime via social media. He accused state institutions of manipulating their power.
This, he claimed, was done specifically “to impose their candidate.” Furthermore, he issued a direct warning to the government, declaring that its “impunity is coming to an end.”
Opposition Leader Claims Overwhelming Mandate
The opposition figure made his first public address late on Tuesday. This followed the Constitutional Council’s decision on Monday to confirm Biya’s win. Tchiroma’s message remained consistent: he believes his party won the election.
“The truth of the ballot is clear,” Tchiroma asserted. He maintains that his movement secured the victory by a significant majority. “This victory is not mine alone; it belongs to the Cameroonian people,” he stressed.
Tchiroma then issued a powerful call to action for his followers. He told them they have a unique, historic chance to say “enough is enough.”
He affirmed his commitment to resistance, declaring, “We remain united, mobilised and will continue to resist until the final victory.” Tchiroma concluded his online statement by announcing the start of a new, aggressive phase of mobilization:
“Let them rejoice, let them dance this has only just begun. The third step is coming soon.”
Deadly Crackdown Follows Official Announcement
The political tension has spilled violently into the streets. Protests erupted on Monday in Douala, the country’s economic capital.
This unrest was triggered after the Constitutional Council declared Biya the winner with 53.66 percent of the total vote.
Since the weekend, security forces have been brutally suppressing these demonstrations. A civil society organization, “Stand up for Cameroon,” reported a horrifying consequence on Wednesday. They stated that at least 23 people have been killed as a direct result of the security crackdown.
The group also raised grave concerns about arrested civilians. Detained protesters and others are reportedly being held in “inhumane” circumstances.
- Lawyers’ testimonies described severe injuries inflicted by authorities.
- Reports include accounts of swollen faces, bruises, and humiliating treatment.
- These actions targeted citizens attempting to exercise their constitutional rights.
Allegations of Fraud vs. Claims of Incitement
Visual evidence of the crackdown has circulated widely online. One video captured security forces loading an inert body onto a military truck. In another clip, protesters were heard chanting, “Give back the corpse.”
Government authorities, however, have countered with their own accusations. They charge the opposition with inciting the recent unrest.
Authorities argue Tchiroma mistakenly and prematurely claimed victory immediately after the October 12 vote. While other opposition leaders have also alleged widespread fraud, the government has consistently rejected these accusations.
The Constitutional Council’s ruling, confirming Biya’s win, is final and cannot be challenged legally. At 92, Paul Biya is currently the world’s oldest serving head of state, having ruled Cameroon for over 40 years.
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