Cameroon’s opposition leader, Issa Tchiroma, has reported a military assault on his home in Garoua, resulting in two fatalities. The incident occurred just after the Constitutional Council declared incumbent President Paul Biya the winner of the 2025 presidential election, a result Tchiroma had previously rejected.
In a defiant statement, Tchiroma described security forces “shooting point-blank” at civilians camped outside his residence, questioning, “I can’t help but wonder if you’re mercenaries.”
Tchiroma, who officially placed second in the election, responded to the attack with a vow to continue his challenge. “Kill me if you want, but I will liberate this country by any means necessary,” he stated, condemning the “blatant impunity” of the operation. The allegation marks a severe escalation in the nation’s political crisis, which had already seen fatal protests and numerous arrests in the days leading up to the official results announcement.
The situation remains highly volatile, with the government previously characterising opposition demonstrations as “premeditated acts of violence.” The alleged assault on Tchiroma’s home signals a dangerous new phase in the contest over the election outcome, which extends the 43-year rule of 92-year-old President Paul Biya.
