Opposition Leader Tchiroma Vows ‘Final Victory’

Cameroonian opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary has stated he will continue to reject the results of the recent presidential election. He insists he will fight until he secures a “final victory” over the current head of state, Paul Biya.

Tchiroma used social media to address the regime. He accused state institutions of “using their power to impose their candidate.” Furthermore, he issued a warning that their “impunity is coming to an end.”

Tchiroma Claims Election Win

Tchiroma spoke late on Tuesday, making his first public statement since the Constitutional Council confirmed Biya’s win on Monday. The opposition leader remains resolute about the outcome.

“The truth of the ballot is clear,” Tchiroma declared. He maintains that his movement won the election by a significant majority. “This victory is not mine alone; it belongs to the Cameroonian people,” he stressed.

The opposition figure also issued a rallying cry to his supporters. He told them they have a unique opportunity to say “enough is enough.” Tchiroma ended his online address by announcing a new phase of mobilization. “We remain united, mobilised and will continue to resist until the final victory,” he affirmed.

“Let them rejoice, let them dance this has only just begun. The third step is coming soon.”

Deadly Civil Unrest Follows Official Results

Protests erupted on Monday in Douala, the country’s economic capital. This followed the Constitutional Council’s declaration that Biya had won with 53.66 percent of the vote. Since the weekend, security forces have violently cracked down on these protesters.

A civil society group, “Stand up for Cameroon,” reported a grim toll on Wednesday. They stated that at least 23 people have been killed as a result of the state crackdown.

The organization also raised concerns about the condition of those arrested. They reported that detainees and other civilians are being held in “inhumane” circumstances.

• Lawyers’ testimonies described injuries inflicted on citizens.
• Injuries included swollen faces and bruises.
• Citizens who sought to exercise their constitutional rights reported humiliating treatment.

Accusations of Incitement and Fraud

Video evidence of the crackdown has circulated online. One clip showed security forces loading an inert body onto a military truck. In another clip, protesters were heard chanting, “Give back the corpse.”

Authorities have responded by accusing the opposition of inciting the recent unrest. They argue Tchiroma mistakenly and prematurely declared victory immediately after the October 12 vote. Other opposition leaders have also alleged widespread fraud, accusations that the government has consistently rejected.

The Constitutional Council’s decision to confirm Biya’s victory is final and cannot be appealed. At 92, Biya is recognized as the world’s oldest serving leader, having governed Cameroon for more than 40 years.

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