By Njong Shey
Human rights lawyer and civil society advocate, Barrister Agbor Balla, has urged the government to explain why former Minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary, now an opposition leader, was barred from leaving the country today.
Issa Tchiroma Bakary, presidential candidate of the National Salvation Front party, was reportedly barred from taking a flight at the Nsimalen Airport in Yaounde.
Reports say he wanted to travel to Dakar, Senegal, to pay homage at the tomb of former President Ahmadou Ahidjo who died and was buried in Senegal.
While at the Nsimalen Airport, security personnel said he had been banned from travelling outside the country, without advancing any reason.
Reports say they claimed to have gotten “orders from above” to not let Tchiroma pass.
“We call on the competent authorities to immediately clarify the reasons behind this travel ban and to guarantee the fundamental rights of all political leaders, regardless of their affiliation,” Barrister Agbor Balla urged.
“Cameroonians deserve a democratic process that is free, fair, and transparent. Silencing or restricting opposition voices with administrative tactics is not only unjust—it is undemocratic,” he added.
Tchiroma, in several recent outings, has condemned the Biya regime for failing to deliver jobs and basic social amenities to the Cameroonians.
Now, he believes that he can turn things around if voted to be president of Cameroon on October 12.
He is among the 13 candidates validated by the elections management body, ELECAM, to contest the race to the Unity Palace.
However, barring him from travelling beyond Cameroon’s borders come as a shock to many.
The Cameroon government is yet to issue a statement as to why Tchiroma can’t leave the country.
This incident, Agbor Balla says, is deeply concerning.
“At a time when Cameroon stands at a critical democratic crossroads, the freedom of movement for political actors, especially presidential candidates, must be respected and protected,” he stated.
He added that the absence of transparency and due process in this issue undermines public trust and raises serious questions about the credibility of the 2025 electoral process.
With the candidates known, the presidential race has taken another gear.
Most Cameroonian politicians still consider the diaspora very influential in the direction of national policies.
Although the election is organised and managed in Cameroon, those in the diaspora who have registered can vote at Cameroonian consular services.