The opposition in Cameroon maintains its rejection of the recent presidential election results. Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who finished second in the race, has issued a public 48-hour ultimatum to government authorities. He insists they must release all individuals detained during the protests that followed Paul Biya’s re-election.
In a video statement shared on social media on Sunday, Tchiroma leveled serious charges against the current government. He accused the administration of engaging in “state terrorism and state gangsterism.”
Allegations of Persecution and Final Warning
Tchiroma also demanded that the government immediately cease practices he refers to as “ethnic purges.”
“The Cameroonian people no longer want them, the Cameroonian people can no longer tolerate them,” he firmly asserted.
Official results showed Tchiroma receiving 35.19% of the vote. This placed him behind Paul Biya, who secured 53.66%. Despite the official tallies, the opposition leader continues to claim he is the legitimate president-elect.
Tchiroma reportedly left Cameroon for Nigeria soon after the election results were made public. He has since been urging citizens to demonstrate against alleged electoral fraud, including backing “ghost town” protests where commercial activities cease.
Violence and Biya’s Plea for Peace
Security forces forcefully suppressed the post-election demonstrations. Data compiled from two United Nations sources estimates that 48 civilians were killed during the crackdown. The government, conversely, has acknowledged only five fatalities.
Paul Biya was officially sworn into office on Thursday. He used his inaugural address to plead for an end to the violence.
- Appeal: “I appeal to everyone’s sense of responsibility.” He specifically addressed those abroad: “I’m addressing all those who are working to incite hatred and violence in our country, particularly some of our compatriots in the diaspora,” Biya stated.
- Conflict Avoidance: He underscored the risk of continued internal strife: “Cameroon does not need a post-election crisis with potentially dramatic consequences, as has been seen elsewhere.”
Tchiroma issued a strong warning should his ultimatum be ignored. He stated that the Cameroonian people “will feel free not only to protect themselves but also to do everything possible to protect their children and recover them wherever they are.”
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