Tchiroma Bakary speaks during his video address following Cameroon’s disputed election results.
Yaoundé, November 11 (Epicstorian News) — Cameroonian opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary has declared himself president-elect, issuing an ultimatum to President Paul Biya’s administration over alleged election fraud and political detentions.
In a video statement widely circulated online, Tchiroma described the situation in Cameroon as a case of “state-based terrorism” led by the current government against its own citizens.
He urged the international community to take immediate action, describing the political climate as “unbearable” and “unacceptable.”
According to his statement, hundreds of Cameroonians have been imprisoned for political, ethnic, and regional reasons since the disputed presidential vote held in early November.
The video, released on social media and amplified by several local news outlets, marks one of the most direct challenges to President Biya’s authority in recent years.
Tchiroma Bakary’s 48-Hour Ultimatum to the Government
Tchiroma Bakary issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the government demanding the release of all individuals he described as “unlawfully arrested and jailed.”
He warned that failure to comply would justify what he called “legitimate defense” by Cameroonians seeking their freedom.
The ultimatum has intensified an already tense post-election environment in major cities, including Yaoundé, Douala, and Bamenda.
Human rights groups have previously documented incidents of arbitrary arrests during political unrest in Cameroon, often linked to disputed election outcomes.
Analysts say Tchiroma’s statement reflects a broader crisis of confidence in Cameroon’s electoral system, where opposition figures have long accused authorities of manipulating results to maintain power.
Cameroon’s Political Context and Biya’s Long Rule
President Paul Biya, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982, was sworn in for his eighth term earlier this month amid claims of vote irregularities and violence in opposition strongholds.
Independent observers reported limited transparency during the counting process and inconsistent access to polling centers across key regions.
The opposition has alleged that electoral commissions were influenced by pro-government interests, a claim the government has repeatedly denied.
During his swearing-in ceremony, Biya pledged to maintain stability and unity, insisting that Cameroon’s democracy “remains intact.”
However, critics have argued that Biya’s decades-long tenure has eroded democratic institutions and concentrated power within the presidency.
Appeal to International Community and Human Rights Advocates
Tchiroma Bakary appealed to foreign governments and international organizations that uphold democracy and human rights to closely monitor developments in Cameroon.
He accused the government of violating international norms by detaining citizens for expressing dissent or participating in political rallies.
The opposition leader emphasized that his call was not a declaration of war but a demand for justice and constitutional order.
According to a report referenced by Human Rights Watch, political repression in Cameroon has intensified since the 2025 elections, particularly against opposition groups and journalists.
International watchdogs have previously urged the Biya government to reform its election system and end the persecution of political opponents.
Tchiroma’s Allegations of Religious and Constitutional Abuse
Tchiroma criticized President Biya’s oath of office, calling it a “sacrilege” and alleging that the invocation of God during the ceremony was a misuse of religion for political purposes.
He argued that the act symbolized the government’s disregard for constitutional values and the sanctity of public office.
Observers say the statement may resonate deeply in a country where religion holds significant influence in political life.
Some faith leaders have expressed concern about the growing divide between the political elite and grassroots communities in Cameroon.
Religious councils in the country have not issued any response to Tchiroma’s remarks.
Opposition Legal Strategy and Upcoming Court Challenges
Tchiroma’s legal representatives have announced plans to contest the official election results in court, citing evidence of vote tampering and restricted ballot access.
The opposition maintains that its own tabulations show Tchiroma as the rightful winner of the presidential race.
Legal experts say any court process could take months due to procedural delays and questions over judicial independence in Cameroon.
Previous opposition challenges, including those led by other candidates in past elections, have been dismissed by the Constitutional Council.
According to Amnesty International, the courts have frequently sided with the government in politically sensitive cases.
Public Reaction and Heightened Security Measures
Reports indicate that security forces have been deployed across several regions as tension builds following Tchiroma’s announcement.
Residents in Douala and Yaoundé described increased checkpoints and a visible presence of armed patrols near government buildings.
Authorities have not issued an official statement responding to the 48-hour ultimatum.
Local civil society groups have urged calm and restraint from all sides as the situation develops.
Analysts warn that prolonged uncertainty could further destabilize Cameroon’s already fragile political and security environment.
Background: Years of Disputed Elections and Civil Unrest
Cameroon has experienced recurring cycles of post-election violence, with allegations of vote rigging and state repression following nearly every major poll since 1992.
Opposition movements have often accused the government of using security forces to suppress protests and silence dissenting voices.
International election observers from the African Union and European Union have repeatedly called for electoral reform to enhance transparency.
Despite these recommendations, structural changes to the electoral framework remain limited.
Several media outlets, including BBC Africa, have documented previous instances where protests led to mass arrests and lengthy detentions without trial.
Tchiroma Bakary’s Political Journey
Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a veteran politician and former government minister, has long positioned himself as a reform advocate within Cameroon’s opposition landscape.
He previously served as Minister of Communication before breaking away from the ruling party to form his own movement.
Tchiroma has maintained a strong following in northern Cameroon, where political discontent has deepened over economic inequality and regional neglect.
His latest statement reflects a renewed attempt to mobilize nationwide resistance to what he describes as “decades of political injustice.”
Political commentators say his rhetoric suggests a potential new phase in Cameroon’s opposition politics, driven by grassroots mobilization rather than traditional party structures.
Regional Reactions
Neighboring governments and regional blocs have not yet commented on the dispute.
The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the African Union are expected to address the political developments if tensions escalate.
International diplomats familiar with Cameroon’s political landscape say private mediation efforts may already be underway.
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Western governments have frequently urged dialogue and respect for constitutional order in Cameroon’s governance crises.
For now, the country remains on edge as the opposition prepares to challenge the official election results in court.
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