Opposition leader Tchiroma declares himself winner as Cameroon awaits official election results
The announcement comes as Cameroonians await the official declaration from the electoral commission, heightening tensions across the country. Tchiroma’s claim directly confronts Biya, who has remained in power for more than 40 years, raising fears of a political showdown.
Opposition figure Issa Tchiroma late Monday announced that he had emerged victorious in Cameroon’s presidential election held on October 12, urging long-serving President Paul Biya to acknowledge the results.
Speaking to supporters, Tchiroma said it was time to “honour the truth of the ballot box” and respect the will of the people.
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The announcement comes as Cameroonians await the official declaration from the electoral commission, heightening tensions across the country. Tchiroma’s claim directly confronts Biya, who has remained in power for more than 40 years, raising fears of a political showdown.
He stressed the importance of transparency in vote counting and insisted the election outcome reflects the public’s choice. Following his statement, supporters took to the streets in several areas, expressing both relief and optimism over the opposition’s move.
Over the weekend, unrest flared in Tchiroma’s stronghold of Garoua, where demonstrators clashed with security forces after his residence was cordoned off.
Tear gas was used to disperse the crowd, amid heightened tensions following threats the candidate had reportedly received.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Tchiroma said, “It is not Tchiroma who is the problem,” adding, “I place myself under the protection of God and the Cameroonian people.”
He also insisted, “I am at home; I will not move. If they intend to come and take me away from home, I will not move.”
Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji said that voting in all 10 regions had proceeded without major disruptions. He avoided commenting directly on Garoua but warned that any candidate attempting to release election results before the official announcement would face legal consequences, calling it a “major red line.”
In the Anglophone regions, where separatists had attempted to prevent voting, some residents went to polling stations while others stayed away out of fear of reprisals, showing the ongoing challenges in ensuring full participation.
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