Tchiroma Declares National Day of Mourning; Vows ‘No Retreat’ in Challenge to Biya Regime

Cameroon’s post-election confrontation escalated sharply on Wednesday, after president-elect Issa Tchiroma Bakary issued a solemn national address declaring Friday, November 21, 2025, a National Day of Mourning—in honour of citizens allegedly killed during protests rejecting the official presidential results.

In a forceful statement shared with MMI News, Tchiroma condemned what he called an “illegitimate regime” that he says has continued to ignore the will of the people expressed in the October 12 presidential election. According to him, dozens of civilians—including minors—were “hunted down, beaten, tortured, and killed” for defending their votes.

“They fell so that the truth may live… They were Cameroonians. They were our martyrs.” — Issa Tchiroma Bakary

Calls for Shutdown Across Cameroon

Tchiroma instructed that all businesses, public offices and institutions suspend activity across the country on Friday, describing the day as both a commemoration and an act of resistance .

He urged Cameroonians — including those in the diaspora — to observe a nationwide one-minute silence at 12:00 noon and called on religious leaders to organize prayers in honor of the deceased.

“This will not be an ordinary day. It will be a day of silence, remembrance, and reflection— and resistance.”

He also announced the creation of a support fund for victims of post-election repression, with details to follow.

Blasts Government Response as “Masquerade”

Last week, Tchiroma issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding the release of all political detainees. Some minors have since been freed — a move he dismissed as “insufficient” and designed “to deceive the people.”

“There are still far too many in detention, and arrests continue.”

A Direct Confrontation With Power

In his sharpest remarks to date, Tchiroma reaffirmed his claim to the presidency — directly rejecting any negotiation or compromise with the Biya administration, which remains in control of state institutions.

“I will not back down. I will not negotiate. I will never capitulate.”

He accused the government of perjury for swearing an oath of office after allegedly “stealing an election” — a declaration that analysts say draws the battle lines more clearly than ever before.

A Nation Divided Between Ballot and Force

With two competing claims to power — one backed by the state, the other backed by alleged polling-station results — Cameroon remains locked in a constitutional crisis with no clear resolution in sight.

Tchiroma vowed to dedicate the rest of his life to what he called the “moral and political reconstruction” of the country:

“I received a clear mandate from the people. Our struggle is for justice, dignity and the future of Cameroon.”

MMI News