Cameroon Opposition Leader Takes Refuge in The Gambia Amid Post Election Dispute

Cameroonian opposition figure Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who is challenging the official results of last month’s presidential election, has taken refuge in The Gambia after what he described as threats to his safety. The Gambian government confirmed his arrival, saying he was granted a temporary stay on humanitarian grounds.

Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he won the October 12 election and has accused the authorities of manipulating the vote to secure another term for President Paul Biya, who, at ninety-two, is the world’s oldest sitting president. According to official results, Biya claimed victory with 53.7 percent of the vote, while Tchiroma Bakary finished second with 35.2 percent. Allegations of fraud and irregularities have surrounded the outcome.

The Gambian information ministry said Tchiroma Bakary arrived in the country on November 7. His location had been unknown for days, with widespread speculation that he had fled to a neighbouring state. Gambian officials said he would be hosted temporarily while efforts continue to encourage a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to Cameroon’s post election tensions. They stressed that The Gambia would not allow its territory to be used for activities aimed at undermining any other nation.

Cameroon’s government had threatened to prosecute Tchiroma Bakary for allegedly inciting violent protests after the election. He denies the accusations and has instead blamed security forces for a harsh response against demonstrators. Official figures put the number of people killed in the unrest at sixteen, though opposition groups and independent organisations say the toll may be higher.

Since the announcement of the election results, Tchiroma Bakary has repeatedly insisted that he will continue resisting Biya’s rule until what he calls his true victory is recognised. His campaign has included calls for street demonstrations and “ghost town” actions, which urge citizens to shut down businesses and stay indoors as a form of civil resistance.

Before becoming a leading opponent, Tchiroma Bakary served for many years under President Biya. His break from the ruling establishment has positioned him as one of the key challengers in a political landscape dominated by Biya for more than four decades.

The Gambian government’s confirmation of his presence has drawn mixed reactions at home. The main opposition United Democratic Party criticised the authorities for delaying the announcement of his arrival. The party said the delay raised concerns about transparency and accountability, arguing that the public has a right to know when political decisions of this nature are made.

At the same time, the UDP said it welcomed the fact that Tchiroma Bakary found safety in The Gambia. The party noted its awareness of how authoritarian systems operate and how political dissent can be met with heavy handed responses across the region.

The BBC has reached out to the Cameroonian government for comment on Tchiroma Bakary’s relocation. For now, he remains in The Gambia as diplomatic discussions continue.