Cameroon’s political tensions have deepened after opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary rejected the official results of the October 12 presidential election, declaring himself president-elect and alleging widespread fraud.

His statement followed the Constitutional Council’s confirmation of President Paul Biya’s win with 53.66 percent of the vote, compared to Tchiroma Bakary’s 35.2 percent. In an open letter released on Sunday, November 2, he described the results as an “electoral heist” and a “constitutional coup.”

Tchiroma Bakary condemned post-election violence, citing two deaths near his home, the abduction of supporters, and the arrest of key allies. He called for accountability before the International Criminal Court and urged continued peaceful resistance through “ghost town” actions.

He also appealed to security forces to protect citizens and reject what he labeled “illegitimate orders,” while reiterating his commitment to peaceful struggle and dedicating a new book to Kamsu Leuppue and the youth of Cameroon.