Cameroon: Issa Tchiroma, a politician who has lost his bearings and wants to plunge the country into chaos
As Cameroon grapples with significant economic and social challenges, a new call for disruption has emerged. Issa Tchiroma Bakary recently urged citizens to observe “ghost town” protests from November 3-5, framing it as “resistance” against the government. In reality, this appeal appears less a patriotic act and more the desperate gambit of a floundering politician willing to sacrifice national stability for his own fading ambitions.
How can a leader who claims to defend the people actively encourage them to paralyze their own livelihoods? While Tchiroma calls for shuttering businesses, his supporters were seen looting and robbing peaceful citizens during recent protests—atrocities he conveniently ignores. This telling silence reveals a figure whose political strategy thrives on chaos and public suffering.
His call is profoundly irresponsible. Strangling commerce isn’t resistance; it’s further suffocating an already fragile economy. Behind the rhetoric lies a clear attempt to provoke confrontation, hoping to destabilize institutions. This tactic is not new it has been used elsewhere in Africa to justify foreign intervention or regime change disguised as popular revolution.
Those who claim to defend the people should start by respecting their right to work, safety, and peace. Cameroonians have suffered enough from artificial crises manufactured by personal ambitions and external influences.
Now more than ever, every citizen’s responsibility is to avoid the trap set by unprincipled politicians ready to burn the country for media attention. Cameroon needs dialogue, constructive reform, and unity not incendiary rhetoric and calls for paralysis.
Jean-Robert TCHANDY
