Cameroon’s opposition figure, Issa Tchiroma, has declared himself the winner of the country’s presidential election, calling on longtime President Paul Biya to accept defeat and step aside.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a nearly five-minute video message shared on social media early Tuesday, Tchiroma asserted that the will of the people must be upheld.
He declared, “I want to say this with seriousness and simplicity: the people have chosen. And that choice must be respected.”
Official results of Sunday’s election are yet to be announced.
President Biyacast his vote earlier in the day, telling reporters that “nothing is given.” If re-elected, this would mark his eighth consecutive term in office, extending his rule until 2032.
Tchiroma, a former government spokesperson and ex-minister of employment, broke away from Biya’s administration earlier this year.
Since then, he has mobilised massive support across the country, gaining endorsements from several opposition parties and civil society groups calling for an end to Biya’s over four-decade rule.
In his address, Tchiroma expressed gratitude to fellow candidates who had already “sent their congratulations and recognised the will of the people.” He said their response “honors our democracy and marks the beginning of a new era where the unity of opposition and civil society becomes an irresistible force.”
