Cameroon opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary flees to Gambia after disputed election win by President Paul Biya

YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon — 23 November 2025 (Running Africa) — Gambian authorities confirmed they are hosting him on humanitarian grounds as political tensions escalate in Cameroon.

President Adama Barrow’s government stated it is working with regional partners, including Nigeria, to support diplomatic efforts aimed at easing the post-election crisis. Bakary’s arrival comes just days after Biya, 92, secured a record eighth term, maintaining his position as the world’s oldest sitting president.

Biya claimed victory with 53.7% of the vote, while Bakary captured 35.2%. Bakary, a former government minister and current head of the Cameroon National Salvation Front, has rejected the results outright, alleging widespread fraud and asserting that he is the legitimate winner.

“This is not democracy, it’s election theft, a constitutional coup as blatant as it is shameful,”

Bakary declared. He urged citizens to stage nationwide protests, close businesses, and halt public services in response to the disputed outcome.

The demonstrations that followed turned deadly, with at least five protesters killed. Civil society groups say the true casualty figures may be considerably higher.

In response, Cameroonian authorities announced they will pursue legal action against Bakary for what they described as repeated calls for insurrection, deepening concerns over political repression and the nation’s democratic trajectory.