Cameroon – Presidential 2025: Issa Tchiroma Calls Bello Bouba to Unite Against Regime Maneuvers

Speaking before supporters in Bertoua and Ngaoundéré, Tchiroma reminded Bello Bouba of their shared political history. “À toi mon frère Bello Bouba Maigari, je viens ici parler à mon frère devant le peuple et devant l’histoire… Aujourd’hui une opportunité se présente à nous pour corriger les erreurs du passé, comme le demande l’immense majorité du peuple camerounais, viens combattre à mes côtés comme j’ai combattu aux tiens,” he declared to thunderous applause.

The former minister framed his appeal as both a moral and historical duty, recalling the 1992 election when opposition disunity allowed Paul Biya’s regime to retain power. “Nous avons failli remporter cette victoire, mais une faille s’est glissée et le système en place a profité pour s’accrocher encore au pouvoir,” he said, calling on Bello Bouba to seize this moment to finally deliver the long-promised change.

Tchiroma also issued a stern warning about what he called “forces tapies dans l’ombre” preparing unconstitutional maneuvers to cling to power. He urged Cameroonians to remain vigilant, confident, and mobilized, insisting that “toute velléité de passage en force sera étouffée dans l’œuf par le peuple souverain.”

His address comes amid growing pressure on opposition leaders to form a united front. Just days earlier, Maurice Kamto, excluded from the race by the Constitutional Council, called on the 11 approved candidates to rally behind one figure to maximize their chances against the CPDM and its 92-year-old candidate Paul Biya.

Observers argue that the fragmented opposition has historically been the regime’s strongest advantage. The possibility of collaboration between Tchiroma and Bello Bouba could mark a turning point, though skepticism remains about whether such unity can be achieved before October 12.

Analysts further caution that the overall credibility of the upcoming vote is already under strain. Restrictions on media, intimidation in opposition strongholds, and the fragile security situation in the Anglophone regions raise serious doubts about the prospects for a genuinely fair election.

For now, Issa Tchiroma’s declaration has set the stage for high-stakes negotiations within the opposition. Whether Bello Bouba Maïgari responds favorably could determine not only the shape of the opposition’s campaign, but also the trajectory of Cameroon’s most contested election in decades.