YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon – Cameroon’s political landscape was jolted on Thursday as opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma declared himself the winner of the October 12 presidential election, urging longtime President Paul Biya to concede defeat.
The announcement sets up a potential confrontation with the 92-year-old Biya, who, after 43 years in power, is seeking an eighth term as Africa’s longest-serving ruler.
Tchiroma, 76, is a former minister in Biya’s government who left the ruling camp earlier this year to mount his own challenge. His candidacy was backed by a coalition of several opposition parties and civic groups.
“The Cameroonian people have spoken with a clear and sovereign voice,” Tchiroma stated. “I invite the outgoing president to acknowledge this verdict of the ballot box and to facilitate a peaceful and democratic transition.”
The government has not yet officially responded to Tchiroma’s claim. However, authorities have consistently maintained that any unofficial victory declarations are invalid. The Interior Minister had previously issued a stern warning that only the nation’s Constitutional Council possesses the legal authority to announce official results.
The Council has until October 26 to declare the final outcome of the election. The period until then is likely to be one of heightened political tension as the nation awaits the certified results.
