Cameroonian opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who has contested the results of the recent presidential election, has sought asylum in The Gambia, according to an official statement from The Gambian government. Tchiroma Bakary, who claims to be the rightful winner of the October 12 election, alleges that the vote was manipulated to secure an eighth term for 92-year-old President Paul Biya. The Gambian Ministry of Information confirmed on Sunday that Tchiroma Bakary arrived on November 7 and has been granted temporary stay on humanitarian grounds. The Cameroonian government had previously threatened to prosecute him for allegedly inciting violent post-election protests, a charge he denies, instead accusing security forces of harshly suppressing demonstrators. Official reports state that 16 people died in the unrest, though independent organizations suggest a higher toll. Tchiroma Bakary has vowed to continue resisting Biya’s government until his election victory is acknowledged. Biya, who has ruled Cameroon for 43 years, was declared the winner with 53.7% of the vote, while Tchiroma Bakary secured 35.2%. His resistance strategies have included organizing street protests and ‘ghost town’ operations to disrupt daily life in cities. The Gambian government emphasized that Tchiroma Bakary’s stay is temporary and rooted in African solidarity, aimed at ensuring his safety while diplomatic efforts address Cameroon’s post-election tensions. However, The Gambia clarified that it would not permit its territory to be used for subversive activities against any state. The announcement of Tchiroma Bakary’s arrival sparked criticism from The Gambia’s main opposition party, the United Democratic Party (UDP), which questioned the government’s transparency and accountability. Despite this, the UDP expressed pride in offering Tchiroma Bakary a safe haven, acknowledging the challenges faced by dissenters under authoritarian regimes.