Cameroon’s opposition leader Issa Tchiroma has declared victory in the country’s October 12 presidential election, calling on long-serving President Paul Biya to concede defeat “in respect of the people’s will”, According to Reuters. Speaking at a press conference in Garoua on Monday, Tchiroma said preliminary tallies from polling stations “clearly show the opposition’s triumph” and vowed to publish detailed regional figures to back his claim.
Tchiroma, 76, a former minister under Biya who broke away earlier this year to lead a coalition of opposition parties and civic movements, praised citizens for “defending democracy through the ballot box.” He urged security agencies to act in the national interest rather than partisan loyalty, emphasizing that “Cameroon belongs to its people, not to any one leader.” The declaration has stirred mixed reactions, with many awaiting the official results from the Constitutional Council, as highlighted by Le Monde Afrique.
Government officials have yet to comment on Tchiroma’s announcement. Under Cameroon’s electoral law, only the Constitutional Council can certify final results, a process expected to conclude by October 26. Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji warned earlier that any attempt to proclaim results independently could amount to “high treason,” highlighting the tense political atmosphere surrounding the vote.
Observers say Tchiroma’s move underscores a growing desire for political renewal in Cameroon, where Biya, 92, has ruled for over four decades. The coming days are expected to be crucial in determining whether the opposition’s claims gain institutional recognition or further fuel political uncertainty.
