YOLA, NIGERIA — Opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary, exiled in Nigeria, has accused President Paul Biya’s government of “state terrorism” and demanded the release of detained supporters within 48 hours.
“The Cameroonian people witnessed an act of hold-up of their state,” Tchiroma said on Facebook. “It is a terrible shame.”
Arrests and Fear
The warning comes amid tension following the 12 October presidential election, which Tchiroma’s camp calls fraudulent. The government denies wrongdoing, saying security forces are “maintaining order.”
Rights groups report mass arrests and dozens of deaths since the disputed vote. The U.N. estimates at least 48 civilians have been killed as protests spread from Yaoundé to Bamenda.
Echoes of the Continent
From Harare to Conakry, Africa’s streets have seen this play before: contested elections, rival claims of victory, and citizens caught between ballots and batons.
Analysts say Cameroon now faces its own test whether dissent will be met with dialogue or force.
“Fear cannot rule forever,” Tchiroma told supporters. “Cameroon belongs to its people, not those who hold it hostage.”
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