Cameroon Opposition Leader Tchiroma Claims Win Over Biya

Opposition calls for transparency as long-time ruler faces rare challenge

Cameroon’s opposition candidate, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, has declared victory in the country’s presidential election, claiming he defeated long-serving President Paul Biya in Sunday’s highly anticipated vote, even as official results are not expected for another two weeks.

Tchiroma, who leads the Front for the National Salvation of Cameroon (FNSC), announced his triumph on Tuesday in a Facebook post, saying the outcome reflected the people’s will and urging the government to “accept the truth of the ballot box.”

“Our victory is clear. It must be respected,” he said. “The government must accept the truth or plunge the country into turmoil.”

The 75-year-old opposition figure vowed to release detailed, region-by-region results to back his claim, arguing that Cameroonians had overwhelmingly voted for change after more than four decades under Biya’s leadership.

Tensions Rise Ahead of Official Results

The official tally from the October 12 vote is expected to take up to two weeks, with the Constitutional Council serving as the final arbiter. However, early claims of victory from the opposition have stirred anxiety across the country, where fears of unrest remain high.

President Biya, 92, has ruled Cameroon since 1982, surviving multiple opposition challenges and crises, including separatist conflicts in the country’s Anglophone regions. His critics accuse him of authoritarianism, economic stagnation, and human rights abuses, while his supporters credit him with maintaining national stability.

Election observers from the African Union and the regional bloc ECCAS have called for calm, urging political actors to respect the official process and avoid inflammatory statements. Reports from some polling stations suggested logistical issues and limited access for independent monitors, fuelling concerns about transparency.

Tchiroma’s bold declaration marks one of the most direct challenges to Biya’s rule in decades. If confirmed, it would signify a historic power shift in Cameroon’s political landscape, but for now, the country waits, divided between hope and uncertainty.