Cameroonian opposition leader flees to Gambia following disputed vote

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - Gambia announced Sunday that it has granted temporary refuge to Cameroonian opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary, citing his safety concerns in the wake of recent political tensions.

Bakary arrived in the country on Nov. 7, according to a statement issued by the Information Ministry.

“He is being hosted temporarily in The Gambia purely on humanitarian grounds in a spirit of African solidarity and for the purpose of ensuring his safety while discussions continue to pursue a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to the post-electoral tensions in Cameroon,” the statement said.

A former government minister, Bakary was the main challenger to Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya, who was declared the winner of last month’s presidential election with 53.7% of the vote.

Bakary, the leader of the Cameroon National Salvation Front, who claimed victory two days after the Oct. 12 polls, got 35.2% of the vote, according to the official results.

He urged supporters to protest against the official election outcome by closing businesses and halting other public activities.

The Gambian government said it “will not be used as a base for any subversive activity against any state.”

It added that it is working with regional partners, including Nigeria, to support a peaceful and negotiated resolution.

Massive protests erupted in Cameroon's economic capital, Douala, and other towns last month against President Biya’s government over alleged presidential election fraud.

At least five people were reported to have been killed during the protests.