Cameroonian Opposition Leader Calls for Nationwide Shutdown
Cameroonian opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary has issued a strong call for a nationwide shutdown starting on Monday, November 3, in protest against what he describes as the “confiscation of power” following the October 12 presidential election. This move is part of a broader effort to challenge the legitimacy of the election results and demand accountability from the government.
In a defiant address delivered to the public on Friday morning, Tchiroma urged citizens to suspend all activities and remain indoors as a symbol of solidarity and resistance. He emphasized that since the proclamation of the “falsified results” by the Constitutional Council, the country has experienced unprecedented tension.
“The will of the people has been confiscated, the sovereignty of the people trampled upon,” Tchiroma stated. “But this time the people have a reason. Standing tall and strong, dignified and courageous, they said no to the confiscation of power.”
He called on Cameroonians to participate in the shutdown, which would take place from Monday, November 3, to Wednesday, November 5. “Let the entire country come to a standstill so that the whole world knows that we are resisting and that we will not yield,” he said.
Tchiroma further encouraged citizens to keep their shops closed, suspend their activities, and remain at home in silence to demonstrate their solidarity. He argued that the strength of an economy lies in its people and that the people no longer recognize the current leadership as their representative.
Widespread Unrest and Government Repression
Tchiroma’s call for a shutdown comes amid widespread unrest and reports of violent repression across Cameroon. He accused the government of responding to peaceful protests with deadly force, citing a growing number of casualties and arrests.
“Across all regions, from the north to south, east to west, Cameroonians express themselves peacefully with the only weapon granted to them by the Constitution, their vote,” he said. “Yet this voice was met with a clash of weapons. A live bullet answered the song of freedom.”
He added that families have been plunged into mourning, recalling the traumatic episodes of 1984. “Our parents, our children were cut down in the prime of their lives and peaceful marches were turned into blind repression with profiling and brutality,” Tchiroma noted.
Condemnation of Government Actions
Tchiroma also condemned what he described as the “cynicism and contempt” of those in power. He referenced a viral video allegedly showing the president of the Constitutional Council celebrating the incumbent’s victory.
“While the people weep for their martyrs, those responsible for this tragedy shamelessly feast, displaying on social networks their cynicism and contempt for the people,” he said. In the video, the president of the Constitutional Council is seen boasting of having secured the victory of the incumbent president. “What a shame for our republic,” Tchiroma remarked.
Safety and Solidarity
Bakary confirmed that he has left his residence in Garoua and is now under the protection of what he described as “elements of the loyalist army.” While his exact location remains undisclosed, Tchiroma expressed solidarity with those detained or abducted during the ongoing post-election unrest.
“I ask all those who have been arbitrarily arrested, to my kidnapped family members, hang in there – I will not rest until this regime gives you victory,” he said.
He also thanked the loyalist forces “for showing patriotism by leading me to safety and protecting me now.”