What to know about the 'National Day of Mourning' in Cameroon
Cameroonian opposition figure Issa Tchiroma Bakary has declared Friday, November 21, 2025, as a National Day of Mourning, calling on citizens at home and abroad to honour civilians he says died during unrest following the disputed October 12 presidential election.
Tchiroma issued the announcement on November 19 from what he described as a secure location outside the country.
In his message, Tchiroma alleged that security forces loyal to what he called an “illegitimate regime” used lethal force against demonstrators who took to the streets after the vote. He said the victims were ordinary citizens defending their ballots.
“They fell so that the truth may live. They were Cameroonians. They were our martyrs,” he said.
The opposition leader outlined a series of directives for the day of mourning, urging the complete suspension of commercial activity, government services, and public operations nationwide.
According to him, the shutdown is meant to create a unified moment of reflection across the country.
Tchiroma also appealed to religious communities, requesting that Christians, Muslims, and people of other faiths gather in places of worship for collective prayer.
A central part of Friday’s planned observance is a minute of silence scheduled for noon. Tchiroma called on Cameroonians living abroad to join the moment as well, saying the diaspora remains an integral part of the movement challenging the disputed election results.
“This will not be an ordinary day … It will be a day of silence, remembrance, reflection — and resistance,” he said, arguing that public participation would demonstrate continued opposition to the government.
During his address, Tchiroma announced the creation of a victims’ support fund intended to assist families of those killed or detained during the post-election crackdown.
The call for a national observance comes days after Tchiroma issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding the release of all detained protesters. Authorities freed a small number of minors during that period, but he dismissed the move as a “masquerade,” insisting that many more remain in custody and alleging that arrests are ongoing.
Tchiroma also delivered a forceful rejection of any attempt at political compromise.
“I will not back down. I will not negotiate. I will never capitulate,” he declared, accusing the administration of President Paul Biya of violating its oath of office and “stealing” the election.
Tchiroma reiterated that he considers his claim to the presidency non-negotiable, saying his “mandate” would be defended “at any cost,” in the name of “justice, dignity, and the future of Cameroon.”
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
