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Summary:

Following a disputed election in Cameroon that saw Paul Biya, in power for 43 years, win another term, opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary has fled to The Gambia for his safety. The Gambian government is hosting Tchiroma on humanitarian grounds and working with regional partners like Nigeria to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the post-election tensions. Tchiroma alleges vote tampering and claims to be the rightful winner, calling the election a “constitutional coup”. His calls for protests have resulted in violence, with both the government and opposition reporting fatalities.

News Article:

Cameroon Opposition Leader Flees to The Gambia Amid Post-Election Unrest

Banjul, The Gambia – Cameroon’s opposition leader, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, has sought refuge in The Gambia following the controversial re-election of President Paul Biya, who has held power for 43 years. The Gambian government confirmed on Sunday that it is hosting Tchiroma “temporarily” on humanitarian grounds.

President Adama Barrow’s office stated that The Gambia is working with regional partners, including Nigeria, to pursue a “peaceful and diplomatic resolution” to the post-electoral tensions in Cameroon.

The move comes after Biya, 92, secured his eighth term with 53.7% of the vote, according to official results. Tchiroma, leader of the Cameroon National Salvation Front, garnered 35.2% but has vehemently disputed the outcome, alleging widespread vote rigging.

“This is not democracy, it is electoral theft, a constitutional coup as blatant as it is shameful,” Tchiroma declared following the election. He urged his supporters to protest through “dead city” operations, leading to clashes and unrest.

The Cameroonian government has acknowledged at least five deaths during the protests, while opposition groups claim the actual toll is significantly higher. Authorities are reportedly planning legal action against Tchiroma for inciting insurrection.

Biya’s extended rule has been marked by political repression, particularly after a 2008 constitutional amendment eliminated presidential term limits. The Gambia’s intervention underscores growing regional concerns over the stability of Cameroon in the wake of the disputed election.

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