Cameroon Opposition Leader Gives 48-Hour Ultimatum for Release of Detainees

By Brian Kiprono - Reporter

Cameroon, 10 November 2025 — Political tension in Cameroon remains high following last month’s disputed presidential election, as opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary has given the government a 48-hour ultimatum to release people arrested during post-election protests.

In a video message posted online on Sunday, Tchiroma accused President Paul Biya’s government of “state gangsterism” and “terror against citizens,” saying security forces have carried out “ethnic purges” and violent crackdowns on opposition supporters.

Tchiroma insists he is the rightful winner of the October 12 election, despite official results showing Biya securing another term with 53.66% of the vote against his 35.19%.

According to UN sources cited by Reuters, at least 48 people have been killed since the election in clashes between protesters and security forces.

The government has only confirmed five deaths, while rights groups say many opposition supporters have been detained without charge.

Tchiroma, who is believed to have fled to neighbouring Nigeria, has urged Cameroonians to continue peaceful resistance, including through “ghost town” protests.

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He warned that if the detained protesters are not released within 48 hours, citizens would “feel free to protect themselves and their families by all means necessary.”

President Biya, who was sworn in on Thursday for his eighth term, has called for calm and unity.

At 92, Biya is now the world’s oldest sitting president and has ruled Cameroon for more than four decades.

In his inauguration speech in Yaoundé, Biya appealed to citizens to reject hate speech and violence, saying, “Cameroon does not need a post-election crisis with dramatic consequences as seen elsewhere.”

Despite the appeal, reports of internet slowdowns and heavy military presence continue in several cities. Many Cameroonians remain fearful, but hopeful that peace will return.