President Biya’s main rival at the 2025 presidential election, Issa Tchiroma Bakary has proclaimed a National Day of Mourning for victims of post-election violence and promised to unveil a detailed “resistance” plan in the coming days.
The declaration comes after what Tchiroma called an “insufficient” response from the government to his 48-hour ultimatum to release all political prisoners. In a solemn address, the “president-elect” proclaimed Friday, November 21, 2025, a national day of remembrance. “I invite you to observe Friday, November 21, 2025, as a National Day of Mourning,” he stated. “This day will be a public holiday throughout the national territory. No businesses, offices, or administrative services should operate.”
Tchiroma framed the day as both a tribute and an act of defiance. “This will not be an ordinary day. It will be a day of silence, remembrance, and reflection,” he said, calling for a minute of silence at noon. He honoured those who have fallen, declaring, “They fell so that the truth may live. They were minors, young adults, fathers, and brave mothers. They were Cameroon. They are our martyrs.”
The crisis stems from the disputed October 12 presidential election. Tchiroma, a former minister who broke with the regime of President Paul Biya, has rejected the official results and declared himself the true winner. He accused the government of ignoring the people’s will, stating, “The regime has chosen to disregard this appeal, just as it has disregarded your votes, your voices, and your lives.”Looking ahead, Tchiroma vowed to continue the fight, promising new instructions in line with a “strategy of active and passive resistance.” He ended his declaration with an unequivocal promise: “I state this firmly: I will not betray… I will not back down. I will not negotiate. I will never capitulate.”
As the nation braces for his promised roadmap, the November 21 day of mourning sets the stage for a deeper and more organised phase of Tchiroma’s promised political resistance.
