BANJUL, The Gambia — Cameroonian opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who is contesting the outcome of the October 12 presidential election, has fled to The Gambia for his safety, the Gambian government confirmed Sunday.
Bakary insists he is the legitimate winner of the vote, alleging fraud that gave President Paul Biya, 92, an eighth term in office. Biya, the world’s oldest president, has ruled Cameroon for 43 years and was declared the winner with 53.7% of the vote, while Bakary came second with 35.2%.
Gambian Government Statement
The Gambian information ministry said Bakary arrived on November 7 and was allowed to stay on humanitarian grounds. Authorities stressed that The Gambia would not be used as a “base for subversive activity against any state.”
Post-Election Tensions
Cameroon’s government had threatened to put Bakary on trial for allegedly inciting violent demonstrations. He denied the charges, blaming security forces for a crackdown on protesters. Officials reported 16 deaths in post-election violence, though other groups cite higher tolls.
Bakary has vowed to resist Biya’s government until his “victory” is recognized, calling for street protests and “ghost town” operations to paralyze cities.
Political Reactions
The Gambia’s main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) criticized the government for delaying the announcement of Bakary’s arrival, raising concerns about transparency. Still, the party said it was proud that Bakary had found “safe sanctuary” in The Gambia, noting its own awareness of how “despotism operates and how dissenters are treated.”