Cameroon's Opposition Leader Declares Victory in Presidential Election

In a dramatic turn of events, Cameroon's opposition leader, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, 76, has declared himself the winner of the country's presidential election held on October 12, 2025. This bold move comes despite the absence of official results from the electoral commission, Elections Cameroon (Elecam).

Bakary's declaration was made through a statement signed by Anicet Ekane and Djeukam Tchameni, leaders of the Union for Change 2025 platform. The statement claimed that Bakary had won the election with a score oscillating between 60% and 80% in several polling stations. The opposition leader called on the incumbent President Paul Biya, 92, to "promptly extend his congratulations to the winner" and urged the administrative authorities and security forces to respect the popular will.

The declaration has exacerbated tensions in the country, with clashes reported between security forces and Bakary's supporters in the northern city of Garoua, near Bakary's home. Witnesses reported skirmishes between his supporters and security forces, with one gendarmerie vehicle set on fire and several others damaged. The incidents occurred after police and gendarmes surrounded Bakary's home, keeping him inside after he had cast his vote.

The government had warned against premature announcements of results.

Source - Lead News Online