After Cameroon’s October 12 presidential election, tension has gripped the nation as both sides claim victory, even though official results are not expected for another week.
In the northern port city of Garoua, supporters of opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary are keeping a close watch outside his residence, fearing that President Paul Biya’s government might move to arrest him.
Groups of young men and women stand guard day and night at the entrance of Issa Tchiroma Bakary’s home in Garoua, armed with slats and sticks. Their mission is simple, to prevent any possible attempt to detain the opposition figure after he contested the results of Sunday’s vote.
According to Hassana Tchiroma, a relative of Issa Tchiroma, “Minister Tchiroma simply had enough of the hostile rhetoric coming from President Biya’s entourage.”
Residents in Garoua have organized themselves into shifts, one group keeps watch during the night, while another takes over in the day. They are also calling for 92 year old President Paul Biya to step down after 43 years in power.
“Cameroonians are suffering,” says Moussa Iya Mohaman Adama, a resident of Garoua. “If you see these young people out here, you’ll understand we are tired. Many of us are graduates with no jobs. We want change across the country, from north to south, east to west. We don’t want war. But Papa Biya, please, it’s time to hand power back to the people.”
Following the election, Garoua witnessed violent protests when young supporters of the opposition clashed with riot police.
“It was the people who decided to protect Minister Tchiroma and his home,” explains Hassana Tchiroma, speaking outside the house. “On election day, we found riot police and gendarmes blocking the crossroads leading to his residence. We managed to clear the way for a few vehicles, but others were forced to turn back. The minister only returned home the next day and has been under house confinement ever since. Every statement he makes now comes from within his home.”
The situation in Garoua remains tense, with residents describing the city as being “under siege.” On Monday night, Issa Tchiroma declared victory from his residence, further deepening uncertainty in the already volatile atmosphere.
