Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Government of The Gambia has confirmed that prominent Cameroonian opposition figure Issa Tchiroma Bakary is currently in the country, stating that he is being hosted temporarily “purely on humanitarian grounds” amid rising post-electoral tensions in Cameroon.
In an official statement, the government said Mr. Tchiroma arrived in The Gambia on 7 November 2025 as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to ensure his safety while regional actors pursue a peaceful solution to Cameroon’s political standoff.
Tchiroma, 76, contested the 12 October presidential election and has rejected the announced victory of President Paul Biya, 92, who has ruled for more than four decades.
“The Government of The Gambia reaffirms its commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all AU Member States, and to the principle that The Gambia will not be used as a base for subversive activity against any state,” the statement said, adding that Banjul is working closely with regional partners, including Nigeria, to support a negotiated outcome.
Tchiroma’s presence in The Gambia was first revealed by UK-based Gambian political scientist Dr. Ebrima Ceesay, who reported that two senior diplomatic sources, one linked to the British Foreign Office and another at the United Nations, had confirmed the development earlier this week.
According to Dr. Ceesay’s account, Tchiroma fled Cameroon under pressure from authorities after declaring himself the winner of the October poll. The Cameroonian government has reportedly intensified calls for his arrest since his departure from Adamawa State, where he had remained near the border in the weeks following the disputed vote.
Diplomatic sources cited in Dr. Ceesay’s report indicate that Nigeria played a pivotal role in arranging Tchiroma’s transfer to The Gambia as a temporary solution while discussions continue on securing a permanent host country willing to offer political asylum.
To avoid heightening tensions with Yaoundé, Gambian authorities have reportedly urged Tchiroma to avoid public statements that could further destabilize the situation in Cameroon during his stay in the country.
The Gambia has pledged to keep its public informed as regional mediation efforts continue.
