Inside Etoudi: Tchiroma Receives Messages from Ministers

Far from a mere gesture of gratitude, the move has been interpreted by analysts as a calculated, strategic strike — exposing fractures inside Paul Biya’s embattled regime and repositioning Tchiroma as the only figure capable of uniting a disillusioned state apparatus with a restless population.

A Calculated Message to Biya’s Ministers

In his statement, Tchiroma’s tone was both diplomatic and unmistakably firm:

“The time is no longer for pretenses or calculations. When the stakes for our country and for national peace are this crucial, everyone must choose their side — and many have already done so.”

Behind these words lies a quiet but growing rebellion within Biya’s own administration.
According to credible sources close to the political transition circles, at least five ministers have privately contacted Tchiroma’s team in the past 72 hours to express their intention to “serve the Republic under new leadership.”

Several others, including senior advisors and directors of state corporations, have reportedly distanced themselves from what one insider called “a sinking vessel.”

Political analyst Eric Acha summarized it bluntly:

“This is not ordinary defection — it is conscience reawakening inside a dying regime. Tchiroma understands power as persuasion, not intimidation. Biya understands power as fear. That’s the difference — and that’s the end.”

Biya’s Isolation Grows

The move has deepened the sense of isolation surrounding Paul Biya, who has remained silent since the election.
While ELECAM continues to delay the official proclamation of results, local tallies and international observers point overwhelmingly to a Tchiroma victory, with margins exceeding 70% in key regions such as Littoral, West, and North.

For a regime built on loyalty rather than legitimacy, the silence of once-loyal ministers now speaks volumes.
A senior government source told Cameroon Concord:

“The corridors of Etoudi are quieter than ever. No one wants to be seen defending the indefensible.”

A Technical Advantage: The Modern Statesman’s Playbook

Unlike Biya’s traditional reliance on administrative control and state coercion, Tchiroma’s communications strategy leverages digital intelligence, real-time data aggregation, and rapid media response — a modern playbook unseen in Cameroon’s political landscape.

Through coordinated networks of polling agents, encrypted transmission of PVs, and partnerships with independent observers and civic tech groups, his campaign demonstrated technical superiority in tracking and verifying votes.

This infrastructure, analysts say, has neutralized the regime’s long-standing tactics of electoral manipulation.
“Technology has replaced fear,” says political commentator Dr. Florence Nyingcho.

“Tchiroma’s data-driven approach exposed every layer of fraud before the regime could erase it. He won both the vote and the information war.”

The Media and the Morality Question

Tchiroma also directed part of his message to journalists, calling on them to defend the truth rather than trade it for favors.

“Do not allow yourselves to become instruments of disinformation,” he said.
“You have a responsibility toward the youth of this country. Do not become enemies of the people.”

The statement followed the reported arrest of Tropical FM founder Ermann Signe in Bafoussam after airing Tchiroma’s speech — a move widely condemned by media unions and human rights advocates.

Appeal to the Armed Forces: Loyalty to the Republic

Concluding his address, Tchiroma turned to the armed forces with a tone of respect and reassurance:

“I thank those in uniform who have chosen not to betray their mission — to protect the people. History will remember those who chose the people rather than privilege.”

Military sources in Garoua and Yaoundé have privately confirmed their refusal to act on orders deemed unconstitutional, particularly those targeting unarmed protesters.
Observers interpret this as a subtle but growing defection of loyalty — from regime to Republic.

The Verdict of History

Five days after the October 12 vote, the message is clear: Cameroon stands at the threshold of change.
Tchiroma’s early outreach to insiders of the old regime — ministers, journalists, and officers alike — reflects a political tactician playing the long game.
Biya’s silence, meanwhile, has become the loudest confession of defeat.

“The times are grave, but hope is stronger,” Tchiroma concluded.
“Together, let us remain standing, united, and vigilant. The future is in our hands.”