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Cameroon’s opposition figure Issa Tchiroma Bakary has fled to The Gambia, saying his life was in danger after rejecting the outcome of the country’s presidential election.
Gambian authorities confirmed his arrival on 7 November, granting him temporary stay on humanitarian grounds, according to the BBC.
Bakary maintains he was the rightful winner of the 12 October polls, alleging that the results were manipulated to prolong President Paul Biya’s decades-long rule. Official tallies declared Biya—now 92—victorious with 53.7% of the vote, despite widespread concerns from observers about irregularities. Biya has ruled Cameroon for 43 years.
The Gambian Ministry of Information said Bakary’s presence in the country is strictly humanitarian and temporary. Before his escape, Bakary faced possible prosecution in Cameroon for allegedly inciting violent post-election protests, an accusation he firmly denies. He claims security forces, not the opposition, were responsible for the deadly crackdown on demonstrators.
While the government places the death toll from the unrest at 16, human rights groups suggest the real number is significantly higher.
Bakary says he will continue to challenge Biya’s rule from exile, insisting he will not recognise the official results and vowing to pursue what he calls the “restoration” of his electoral mandate.
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