Urgent reforms Cameroonians expect from Biya!.

Paradoxically, the sky of violence collapsed, following the proclamation of the results by the Constitutional Council, on October 27, giving incumbent, Paul Biya, a disputed marginal victory of 53.66 percent.

Runner up, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, claimed victory and his supporters won't let it go. 

In the post-election violence, according to a report by Barrister Alain Ndam, coordinator of the Defense Collective for the Central and Southern Regions, presented during a slot last week over Radio Tiemeni Siantou in Yaounde, 29 compatriots lost their lives.

He added that: "More than 2,000 people have been arrested in recent days, including 1,300 people placed in administrative detention in Douala; 345 in Bertoua; 300 in Bafoussam; 78 in Maroua and 55 in Yaoundé before the prosecutor at the Military Tribunal". 

When asked about the reasons for the arrests, he said: “insurrection, revolution, and incitement to revolt in complicity...”. 

“This state of affairs provokes revolt. They (the arrested people) are treated like animals, like outlaws, because it is important to specify that demonstrating is not an illegal act. There is no question of dehumanising those involved simply because they have broken the law,” the lawyer stated.

The Guardian Post, however, understands that some of them have had access to lawyers. But the crux that led to the fatal protests, which have been denounced by France, United States, United Nations, African Union and international human rights organisations, is the presidential elections, perceived as having been massively rigged.

Accepted that the deed has been done, the ball is now in President Biya's court. He has to play it with speed, tact and magnanimity, especially given his experience to let peace reign and preempt more fatalities, whose shattering consequences only God knows.

The Guardian Post can vouch that President Biya is not unaware of the urgency of reforms. In his swearing-in speech, he vowed to..."submit to parliament some reforms to enhance the State’s efficiency by adapting our institutions to the demands of our environment”.

What are the demands of the moment?

First, free all those detained in connection with the demonstrations and in connection to the conflict in the North West and South West Regions.

Secondly, send a bill to parliament to amend the Electoral Code, to fill the irritating loopholes that are engineered to favour candidates of the ruling party, before next year's legislative and municipal elections.

Thirdly, reshuffle the government to remove the deadwoods and replace them with youth and women who were the focus of his campaign and without necessarily including satellite inconsequential quasi ‘CPDM Section’ officials passing as opposition leaders.

Fourthly, reform the High Judiciary Council to be under a Parliamentary Commission, free from the Presidency, so as to give it its full constitutional independence.

Fifthly, replace all General Managers of State corporations who have served a maximum of nine years, as stipulated by law and Board Chairpersons who have hit their apex of six years. 

The sixth point should be the appointment of members of the Commission for Declaration of Assets, to fulfil the constitutional provision that has been in limbo for over two decades.

Issa Tchiroma Bakary continues to claim he is "President-elect" and remains a conundrum. He said he was escorted to a safe place by security forces loyal to him. That has left many unanswered, suspicious and troubling questions.

In his latest video at the weekend, he gave President Biya an ultimatum of "48 hours to liberate all of those who you have unlawfully arrested and jailed”. 

“Failing to do so, Cameroonians will find themselves in a legitimate defense and free to undertake whatever will enable them to recover their freedom and to free their daughters and sons, who are illegally jailed....,” Tchiroma warned. 

He added that: “If in 48 hours, as I say, if they refuse to comply, Cameroonians will be in legitimate position to defend themselves, their family and to go retrieve those arrested and jailed”. 

Tchiroma said “all Cameroonians have their back today against the wall” and are “confronted with a life-threatening menace from the Biya- led government".

He urged Cameroonians to “remain tall, strong and be ready to fight” for their “freedom” and for their “rights” as long as the problem is not resolved".

Aggrieved, like his supporters, he is entitled to his opinion and wants remedy by fighting for freedom. Tchiroma was not unequivocal about how the "fight" would be.

But as defined by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, peaceful protests are a legitimate and legal means to fight for freedom.

Tchiroma used three days of ‘ghost towns,’ which is a sit-home protest, to fight. The repercussions of the high costs of living are still being felt, with skyrocketing prices of basic commodities and scarcity.

In his call for a fight, Tchiroma didn't say he will continue with his ‘ghost town’ or upgrade his strategy.

But what is without any nitpick now is to pre-empt whatever action he intends to introduce, not because of fear of his ultimatum, but for the sake of peace and protection of human rights.

It is that peace, so precious that should impel President Biya for an urgent reform based on the six points articulated by The Guardian Post, to assist the President fulfil his swearing-in speech with sublime alacrity.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3622 of Tuesday November 11, 2025