In a significant development in West African politics, Gambia has announced it is temporarily hosting Cameroonian opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary following the contentious re-election of Cameroon’s long-serving President Paul Biya. The Gambian Ministry of Information released a statement on Sunday, November 7, confirming Tchiroma’s arrival and emphasizing that the decision was made on humanitarian grounds to ensure his safety. The statement also highlighted Gambia’s collaboration with regional partners, including Nigeria, to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the escalating tensions in Cameroon. Tchiroma’s spokesperson, Alice Nkom, corroborated his presence in Gambia, while Cameroon’s government has threatened legal action against him for allegedly inciting insurrection. The October 12 election, which granted Biya an eighth term, has been marred by widespread protests and disputed death tolls, with opposition and human rights groups claiming over 55 fatalities compared to the government’s figure of 16. Biya, 92, has been in power since 1982 and remains a polarizing figure, often absent from public life and delegating governance to close associates. The situation underscores the deepening political crisis in Cameroon and the broader challenges of democratic governance in the region.