By Rosy Sadou, Yaoundé Bureau | CAJ News Africa
Fresh tension is brewing in Cameroon following the October 12 presidential election, as opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary has declared himself winner, rejecting the official process and setting the stage for a potential political crisis in the Central African nation.
Bakary, who leads the Front for the National Salvation of Cameroon (FSNC), said he would not contest the results before the Constitutional Council, which he accused of favouring the ruling party.
Asked during a radio interview if the FSNC would appeal, Emmanuel Simh, an ally of Bakary, retorted, “For what purpose?” — a response that underscores growing frustration among opposition ranks over the perceived lack of judicial independence.
Bakary’s declaration has stirred controversy, with Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, accusing him of committing “high treason” by proclaiming himself winner on social media.
The ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), led by President Paul Biya, has also accused Bakary of plotting to destabilise the country.
President Biya, who has ruled Cameroon for nearly five decades, including 43 years as head of state, remains one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. His continued dominance has drawn criticism from pro-democracy groups and international observers concerned about shrinking political space in the country.
Adding her voice to the outcry, Patricia Ndim Njoya, the only female presidential candidate and flagbearer of the Cameroon Democratic Union (UDC), described the election as an “electoral sham.”
She alleged widespread irregularities, including fraudulent voting, ballot stuffing, fictitious polling stations, and intimidation of election observers.
In a separate development, reports on Wednesday indicated that Atsamo Romaric, a member of the FSNC, was allegedly abducted by police in Yaoundé.
In the West Region, angry residents reportedly assaulted an Elections Cameroon (ELECAM) official accused of inflating votes in favour of President Biya. A video of the incident has since gone viral, heightening tension across the country.
Protests have also been recorded at the ELECAM headquarters in Douala, where demonstrators are demanding transparency and the release of detained opposition members.
Political analysts warn that the situation could deteriorate further if dialogue is not urgently initiated between the parties involved. They say the crisis, if left unchecked, could plunge Cameroon — already grappling with economic hardship and separatist conflict — into deeper instability.
As the standoff continues, calls are growing from within and outside Cameroon for restraint, transparency, and respect for democratic processes to safeguard peace in the nation.
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