U.S. Congressman Calls on Yaoundé to Respect the People’s Mandate in Cameroon’s 2025 Presidential Election

The Illinois congressman, who also serves on the subcommittee for Africa, expressed deep concern over reports of political restrictions and irregularities surrounding the October 12 vote. His comments come as the campaign of Issa Tchiroma Bakary continues to publish verified procès-verbaux (PVs) from across the country showing the opposition leader with a commanding lead over the incumbent.

“Transparency and the will of the people must prevail”

In his official communiqué, Jackson praised Cameroonians for what he described as their “continued commitment to democracy,” commending the turnout and civic engagement observed despite intimidation and unrest. He reaffirmed the United States’ longstanding partnership with Cameroon, anchored in “shared values — respect for democratic governance, the rule of law, and human rights.”

However, the Congressman said he was “concerned by reports indicating limited political freedoms, restrictions on civil society and media, voter disenfranchisement in conflict-affected regions, and other irregularities that could undermine confidence in the electoral process.”

He called on Cameroon’s Electoral Commission (ELECAM), the judiciary, and the Constitutional Council to ensure full transparency and accountability “in accordance with Cameroon’s electoral code,” and to allow the prompt and credible publication of results reflecting the people’s choice.

Growing scrutiny of Biya’s handling of post-election tension

The statement lands amid rising domestic and international scrutiny over the regime’s response to post-election demonstrations. Protests in Garoua, Maroua, and Ngaoundéré have drawn large crowds, with citizens waving national flags and chanting slogans in favour of Tchiroma.
Security forces have been deployed heavily, and several incidents of excessive force have been reported, including the fatal shooting of a teacher in Garoua earlier this week.

Diplomatic observers in Washington say Jackson’s message is the clearest sign yet that U.S. lawmakers are monitoring Cameroon’s transition crisis closely, and that the Biden administration could face pressure from Congress to take a firmer stance if the post-election impasse persists.

Verified results continue to show Tchiroma ahead

According to the Transparency Series published by Cameroon Concord, verified PVs from 18 departments covering roughly 80 percent of the electorate place Issa Tchiroma Bakary at 54.8 percent of valid votes, compared to 31.3 percent for Paul Biya.
The figures, corroborated by photographic and video evidence from polling stations, have since become the reference point for journalists, observers, and analysts following the dispute.

Jackson’s call for restraint and transparency appears to echo growing concerns within the African Union and the European Union about the credibility of Cameroon’s electoral process.
In several diplomatic cables seen by Cameroon Concord, Western embassies have privately urged Yaoundé to “avoid a violent escalation” and “open the space for independent verification.”

“Violence and intimidation have no place in a democracy”

The U.S. Congressman’s statement concluded with a call for peaceful resolution through legal and constitutional means, stating:

“I call on all political actors to exercise restraint, respect due process, and resolve any disputes peacefully through established mechanisms and dialogue. Violence and intimidation have no place in a democratic process.”

He reaffirmed his intention to continue engaging with the Government of Cameroon, civil society, the African Union, and international partners to “prevent conflict, support post-election dialogue, strengthen institutions, and advance peace, stability, and respect for human rights.”

A shifting diplomatic tone

For many observers, the significance of Jackson’s message lies not only in its timing but in its tone — notably the absence of endorsement for Biya’s declared victory and the insistence on results that “reflect the will of the people.”
It adds to a growing chorus of foreign concern as Yaoundé faces internal dissent and international scrutiny over its handling of the transition.

Whether the Biya regime will heed these calls remains uncertain. But with Washington now on record urging restraint and transparency, pressure is mounting for the official publication of credible results — a demand that aligns closely with Issa Tchiroma Bakary’s campaign stance.

Cameroon Concord’s Political Desk continues to monitor international reactions and will provide updates as statements emerge from other partners, including the African Union and the European Union.

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