Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he is the rightful winner of the 12 October poll, insisting that the official outcome, declaring President Paul Biya victorious was manipulated. Biya, who is 92 and the world’s oldest sitting president, was awarded a further term with 53.7% of the vote. Tchiroma Bakary finished second with 35.2%.
The Gambia’s information ministry confirmed that he arrived in the country on 7 November and was granted temporary stay on humanitarian grounds. Officials stressed that the decision was made in the spirit of regional solidarity and to ensure his personal safety while broader discussions continue over the post-election climate in Cameroon.
Before his departure, Cameroon’s government accused Tchiroma Bakary of encouraging unrest after the election, saying he helped fuel violent demonstrations. He has rejected the allegations, arguing that security forces were responsible for the heavy-handed response to protesters. Authorities in Yaoundé put the number of deaths from the unrest at 16, though other reports suggest a higher toll.
Tchiroma Bakary has repeatedly said he will keep resisting Biya’s government until his “victory” is acknowledged. His calls have included urging supporters to stage peaceful rallies and to observe “ghost town” days designed to bring public activity in major towns to a halt.
Once a long-serving minister and spokesperson within Biya’s own administration, Tchiroma Bakary has in recent years become one of the president’s most prominent challengers. His sudden disappearance after the election had fuelled speculation that he had fled the region, though there had been no confirmation until the Gambian announcement.
Banjul emphasised that although it is providing sanctuary, The Gambia will not allow its territory to serve as a platform for any activities deemed hostile to another state.
Cameroon’s authorities have not publicly responded to the statement. Meanwhile, The Gambia’s main opposition party, the United Democratic Party (UDP), criticised the government for keeping Tchiroma Bakary’s arrival quiet for nearly two weeks, saying it raised concerns over openness and accountability. Even so, the party said it welcomed the fact that he had found safe refuge in the country, noting its own history of confronting authoritarian rule.