Cameroonian opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who is contesting the outcome of the presidential election, has fled to The Gambia for his safety, The Gambian government has said.
Tchiroma Bakary has insisted he is the legitimate winner of the 12 October election, alleging that the result was rigged to give President Paul Biya, 92, an eighth term.
The Gambian information ministry stated that Tchiroma Bakary arrived on 7 November and was allowed to stay on humanitarian grounds.
Cameroon's government had threatened to put him on trial for allegedly inciting violent post-election demonstrations. He denied the allegations, placing the blame on security forces for a crackdown on protesters.
Despite the government's claim that 16 people died due to post-election violence, other organizations report a higher toll. Tchiroma Bakary has vowed to resist Biya's government until his electoral victory is recognized.
The 92-year-old Biya, the world's oldest president, has ruled for 43 years and was declared the election winner with 53.7% of the vote amid fraud allegations. In the election, Tchiroma Bakary finished with 35.2% of the votes.
His resistance tactics have included calling for street protests and organizing "ghost town" operations to disrupt normal activities in cities.
Until The Gambian government confirmed his presence, Tchiroma Bakary's whereabouts were uncertain, fueling speculations he had fled to another country for safety.
The Gambian government emphasized Tchiroma Bakary's temporary sanctuary is only for humanitarian reasons and not as a base for any subversive activities.
Reacting to his arrival in The Gambia, the United Democratic Party criticized the government's delay in announcing it, calling it into question regarding transparency and the public's right to know. However, they expressed pride that he found sanctuary in The Gambia, recognizing the nature of despotism against dissenters.
