Cameroon’s opposition leader, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, has accused the government of abducting two of his family members and his personal cook following the disputed presidential election held on October 12.
In a statement released on Thursday, Tchiroma — who claims to have won the election — alleged that the abductions took place in Garoua on Wednesday night.
He accused the authorities of waging a campaign of repression and intimidation aimed at silencing dissent and holding onto power.
They are using all means to intimidate the people, but I will not back down,” Tchiroma said.
The opposition leader added that he has since left his residence in Garoua and is now under the protection of what he described as loyalist soldiers”, who, according to him, helped move him to safety.
Tchiroma called for the immediate release of his relatives and all others allegedly detained or abducted, vowing to continue his campaign against what he described as a regime that rules through fear and violence.
The Cameroonian government has not yet commented on the allegations, which come amid heightened tensions in the country’s north, where protests and heavy security deployments have been reported.
