It is the statement that is already causing tremors across social networks: Gambia Confirms Issa Tchiroma’s Stay officially on its soil, citing a “humanitarian hospitalization” following a post-electoral crisis. The communiqué, released on November 23, firmly insists that Banjul will under no circumstances become a staging ground for subversive activities against Cameroon. “We have no interest in destabilizing a sister state,” said a Gambian source, visibly irritated by the speculation that has been circulating for the past fortnight.
But what lies beneath this discreet visit? And crucially: what political impact does this carry for Yaoundé during such a sensitive period?
A Rare Communiqué Clarifies the Status
The document published by the Gambian Ministry of Information details a strictly humanitarian sojourn, justified by a “spirit of African solidarity.” This emphatically rules out political asylum, special status, or any announced meddling. This clarification is far from trivial. Since his departure from Cameroon, the former minister, now a radical opposition figure, has been the subject of intense speculation, ranging from talk of a strategic escape to a security-enforced medical evacuation. Analysts in Yaoundé are quick to recall the strong cooperation between Cameroon and Banjul, particularly on regional security files. The possibility of political refuge would, therefore, have been highly improbable.
The precision offered by the Gambia Confirms Issa Tchiroma’s Stay announcement serves to control the narrative.
Firm Stance: “No Base for Hostile Actions”
Cameroon-Tchiroma: A Controlled Diplomatic Affair
In its second half, the Gambian text is uncompromising: no activity hostile to Cameroon will be permitted on Gambian territory. This precise wording appears calculated to rebut accusations from certain activist groups attempting to leverage Tchiroma’s presence to fuel a discourse of rupture. “The principle is clear: we will never allow our territory to be used as a tool for private agendas,” the official note asserts.
Yaoundé, so far, remains cautious. The Cameroonian government’s approach seems strategic: avoiding the inflation of an episode that others are eager to politically exploit.
Regional Stabilization is the Priority
The final section of the communiqué announces diplomatic coordination with Nigeria and other regional partners. The objective: a lasting return to calm in Cameroon, consistent with African Union standards. For numerous observers, this sentence is vital. It implies that while Banjul is closely monitoring the post-election tensions, it aligns with a logic of institutional stability—not confrontation with the Cameroonian authorities.
A diplomatic source in Yaoundé stated bluntly: “Those who hoped to transform this movement into a state crisis will be disappointed.”
Ultimately, the announcement that Gambia Confirms Issa Tchiroma’s Stay provides a distinct interpretation: he is not a political exile, but a temporary guest under African humanism, with no role in diplomatic dynamics.
The remaining question is whether this clarity will be sufficient to quiet the radical voices in a context where every action is viewed as a significant signal.