Tens of thousands of Cameroonians packed the area behind the Omnisports Stadium in Douala on Sunday to welcome presidential candidate and former minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary, leader of the Cameroon National Salvation Front (CNSF).
Despite enduring eight hours of waiting and heavy rain, supporters remained unwavering, chanting slogans and pledging to secure Tchiroma’s victory in the upcoming October 12 presidential election.
“He is so beloved by the Cameroonian people, and I don’t think we’ve ever seen a crowd like this,” said supporter Mohamadou Hadji. “This is a great testament to the people’s support for Issa Tchiroma Bakary, to whom we promise a 100% victory.”
Arriving in Douala to a rockstar welcome after rallies in Buea and Limbé, Tchiroma addressed the jubilant crowd, urging President Paul Biya, who has ruled Cameroon for over four decades, to be ready to concede defeat if the people vote for change.
“You will call your opponent, chosen by the people, and say, ‘Mr. President, I concede defeat. Congratulations — today you go down in history,’” Tchiroma declared to thunderous applause.
Supporters described the rally as “historic”, calling for unity and vigilance at the polls to ensure a fair vote count.
“All we want is for everyone to vote for the same person, monitor our votes, and check our ballots,” said Taddoum Moïse, another supporter. “So that on the evening of October 12, we can proclaim our own victory and see President Tchiroma take office.”
Tchiroma also claimed he has faced threats from the current administration and warned the territorial administration, electoral commission, and Constitutional Council against any attempt to manipulate results, saying the people would not tolerate fraud.
As the campaign enters its final stretch, the Douala rally marks one of the largest political gatherings in Cameroon’s recent history, signaling growing momentum for Tchiroma’s challenge to Biya’s long-standing rule.
