GAMBIA has granted temporary asylum to Cameroonian opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary on humanitarian grounds, officials have announced, following a disputed presidential election that triggered deadly protests in Cameroon last month.
The case highlights a recurring pattern across East and West Africa where opposition politicians challenging incumbent presidents face state-sponsored harassment, including detention, violence, and disruption of political activities, often forcing them to flee their countries.
Tchiroma’s whereabouts had been unknown for weeks after he rejected the results of Cameroon’s presidential election. Paul Biya, 92, the world’s oldest head of state and president since 1982, was declared the winner with 53.66% of the vote compared to Tchiroma’s 35.19%.
Protests erupted across Cameroon after early results indicated Biya would secure an eighth term in office. Cameroonian security forces killed 48 civilians while responding to the demonstrations, United Nations sources told Reuters this month.
In a statement issued late Sunday, Gambia’s information ministry said the country was sheltering Tchiroma “purely on humanitarian grounds, in the spirit of African solidarity” to ensure his safety while efforts continue to resolve “post-electoral tensions” in Cameroon.
The Gambian government said it is consulting with regional partners, including Nigeria, to support a negotiated resolution to the crisis. The statement reaffirmed Gambia’s commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all African Union member states and stated its territory would not be used as a base for subversive activities against any country.
Gambia’s main opposition United Democratic Party criticised the government for a lack of transparency regarding Tchiroma’s “quiet arrival” but expressed solidarity with the opposition leader and welcomed the humanitarian gesture.
The development adds to a growing list of African opposition figures who have sought refuge abroad after challenging long-serving leaders in elections frequently marred by allegations of irregularities and violent crackdowns on dissent.
