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Cameroon opposition leader flees to Gambia amid election dispute
Issa Tchiroma Bakary, the Cameroonian opposition leader challenging President Paul Biya's re-election, has fled to The Gambia seeking refuge, Gambian officials confirmed on Sunday. Bakary, who insists he won the 12 October presidential vote, arrived in The Gambia on 7 November and was granted temporary stay on "humanitarian grounds," according to the country's information ministry.
Election dispute and allegations of fraud
Bakary, a former ally of Biya who served in his government for years, has repeatedly rejected the official election results, which handed the 92-year-old incumbent an eighth term with 53.7% of the vote. Bakary, who secured 35.2%, has accused Biya's administration of rigging the poll and vowed to resist until his claimed victory is recognized.
Post-election violence in Cameroon has left at least 16 dead, per government figures, though other sources suggest a higher toll. Bakary denies inciting unrest, instead blaming security forces for a crackdown on protesters. His resistance tactics have included organizing street demonstrations and "ghost town" shutdowns to paralyze urban areas.
Gambia's humanitarian stance and political reactions
The Gambian government emphasized that Bakary's presence is temporary and rooted in "African solidarity," aiming to facilitate a "peaceful and diplomatic resolution" to Cameroon's post-election crisis. Authorities stressed that The Gambia would not tolerate its territory being used for "subversive activity" against any state.
The move drew criticism from The Gambia's main opposition party, the United Democratic Party (UDP), which questioned the delay in announcing Bakary's arrival. The UDP, while proud to offer "safe sanctuary," demanded greater transparency, arguing that Gambians deserve to know actions taken in their name. "We understand how despotism operates and how dissenters are treated," the party stated.
Biya's long rule and international silence
Biya, the world's oldest serving president, has governed Cameroon for 43 years. His latest term extends a tenure marked by allegations of electoral fraud and repression of dissent. The Cameroonian government has not yet responded to requests for comment on Bakary's flight or the Gambian government's statement.
"He is being hosted temporarily in The Gambia purely on humanitarian grounds in the spirit of African solidarity and for the purpose of ensuring his safety while discussions continue."
The Gambian government
