DAKAR – Cameroon opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary said on Friday that soldiers loyal to him had escorted him to a secure location following a disputed presidential election on October 12. Tchiroma had remained confined to his home in Garoua, in the northern region, claiming victory in the vote.
The move suggests possible divisions within Cameroon’s security forces, although Tchiroma did not specify the number of soldiers involved. He thanked the loyal troops on Facebook for ensuring his protection. The Defence Ministry did not comment on his statement.
The Constitutional Council declared President Paul Biya, 92, the winner of the election on Monday, sparking protests in multiple cities. Civil society groups report that security forces killed at least 23 protesters and detained more than 500.
Tchiroma has called on supporters to observe a three-day national lockdown starting Monday, urging citizens to suspend activities, close shops, and remain at home to demonstrate opposition to the election results. “Let the country come to a standstill so the world knows we are resisting and will not yield,” he said in a video message.
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