Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a former minister and long-time supporter of President Paul Biya, has announced his resignation in a bid to contest the upcoming elections and restore public trust. With growing discontent regarding economic issues and political repression, Bakary's departure raises questions about the future of Cameroonian leadership.
Former Minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary Resigns to Challenge President Biya in Upcoming Elections
Former Minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary Resigns to Challenge President Biya in Upcoming Elections
A prominent ally of Cameroon's President Paul Biya has stepped down from his government role, signaling a challenge to the incumbent leader's long-standing rule.
Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a key minister and longtime confidant of Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, has officially resigned from his governmental role, aiming to end the 92-year-old leader’s nearly 40-year reign as the presidential elections approach. In a move that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, Bakary described the current regime as having “broken” public trust and has opted to join a rival political party as he positions himself as a candidate for the presidency.
Four months ahead of the elections, Bakary voiced frustration over the current government's inability to serve the needs of the nation, insisting, “A country cannot exist in the service of one man.” His resignation follows a controversial tenure, during which he faced substantial criticism, including a notorious incident where he retracted his denial of brutal military actions captured in a viral video.
While holding several high-profile positions in the Biya administration, including communications and employment minister, Bakary's relationship with Biya appeared to fracture recently. In a public speech in Garoua, he underscored that the President's lengthy rule had not yielded tangible benefits for the people.
Alongside his resignation, Bakary published an ambitious 24-page manifesto outlining his vision for a new political direction. He proposed dismantling the existing system, which he dismissed as corrupt and stagnant, and suggested the implementation of federalism—a solution to the protracted Anglophone crisis affecting the English-speaking regions. He stressed the need for greater representation for marginalized communities, stating that they “do not need people to speak for you – you need to be listened to.”
As Bakary campaigns for the presidency, he faces mounting challenges. Just after his announcement, reports surfaced indicating a government crackdown on political activities of his emerging party, the Cameroon National Salvation Front (CNSF), raising concerns over the country's political atmosphere.
Compounding these tensions, authorities have restricted rival opposition leader Maurice Kamto, a prominent contender in previous elections. With social issues such as unemployment and rampant insecurity taking center stage, Bakary’s bid for change has evoked mixed reactions among Cameroonian citizens and political analysts. While some see promise in his candidacy, others critique him for his lengthy association with Biya's administration.
As the October presidential elections draw nearer and discussions on parliamentary elections delay until 2026, all eyes will be on how Bakary’s challenge will shape the future of Cameroon and the discourse surrounding its leadership.
