Post-Election Crisis: Tchiroma Addresses Cameroon’s Army

Speaking with solemn authority, the President-elect reminded soldiers of their constitutional duty to protect citizens rather than participate in what he called “a dangerous attempt to subvert the will of the people.”

A Message to the Conscience of the Armed Forces

Tchiroma’s address begins with respect for the men and women in uniform, describing them as “a corps of elite patriots ready to sacrifice everything for the Republic and its institutions.”

But his tone quickly hardens as he warns that no soldier should obey illegal orders or turn weapons against fellow citizens demanding truth and justice:

“You have sworn allegiance to the Constitution, not to a photograph or to invisible orders,” Tchiroma declares.
“Do not let the blood of your brothers and sisters be shed to defend lies or to prolong a regime that has oppressed you for 43 years.”

The statement explicitly rejects the notion that the army exists to protect a ruling class, calling instead for soldiers to stand on the side of truth, justice, and the Republic.

A Nation on Edge

The appeal comes amid unprecedented tension across Cameroon. Protests have erupted in Douala, Bafoussam, Limbe, and Garoua following reports of falsified procès-verbaux and ballot-stuffing by ELECAM officials allegedly acting under political pressure.
Tchiroma warned that any attempt to “twist the verdict of the ballot box” risks plunging the nation into chaos.

“Our people, in peace and maturity, voted massively on October 12 to express their sovereign will. They want their voice respected, their choice recognized, and the truth of the polls to prevail.”

The statement paints a stark picture of the stakes ahead, suggesting that if fraud triumphs, the despair could be national and irreversible.

A Challenge to the Regime’s Authority

Without naming President Paul Biya, Tchiroma’s message dismantles the regime’s moral claim to power. He accuses the ruling elite of weaponizing the security apparatus to enforce political control while impoverishing the very citizens the army is meant to protect.

“A regime that despises you and impoverishes you cannot command your conscience,” he tells the military.
“Protect the people. Refuse unjust orders. History will remember those who stand on the side of truth.”

The President-elect also issued a veiled warning to commanders who may be tempted to justify repression through “orders from above,” saying that personal responsibility before the law and before God would apply to every act of violence against civilians.

“Our Army Belongs to the Republic, Not a Clan”

The closing pages of the statement carry both defiance and faith:

“Help restore the truth peacefully.
The hour has come to show the world that our army belongs to the Republic, not to a clan.”

He invites the armed forces to “stand with dignity, professionalism, and patriotism”, insisting that Cameroon’s military is republican, not repressive.

“The people do not expect fear from you — they expect justice.
They do not expect division — they expect honor.”

Concluding with a prayer, Tchiroma invoked divine protection over the nation:

“May God bless our army.
May God bless our people.
May God bless Cameroon.”

Context

The address follows days of violent clashes between protesters and security forces, the arrest of opposition supporters, and widespread allegations of vote manipulation. Independent tallies and original signed PVs from across the country continue to show Issa Tchiroma Bakary leading by a wide margin.

Observers believe the statement is both a moral appeal and a direct challenge to those within the security establishment being used as instruments of repression.

Political analysts say Tchiroma’s words could mark a turning point, framing the post-election struggle not as opposition versus government, but as truth versus power.