Joseph Espoir Biyong, the sixth deputy mayor of Douala 5th, has announced that the Front for National Salvation of Cameroon (FSNC) is preparing for the return of its leader, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who is currently in exile in Gambia. Biyong, himself a new activist of the FSNC, described this return as "triumphal" and a "historic event," marking the beginning of a "new Republic".
Biyong echoed the terms used by Issa Tchiroma Bakary during his New Year's greetings at the beginning of the year, without specifying a date or place for this return. He called on FSNC activists to mobilize, prepare outfits and songs, and place God at the center of this project.
Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a former minister, surprised many by resigning from the government in June 2025 to run in the presidential election in October. The official results of this election gave Paul Biya the victory with 53% of the votes, while Tchiroma came in second with 35%. Tchiroma contested these results, denouncing massive fraud and claiming victory. This challenge led to post-election violence and his departure into exile.
Despite his exile, Issa Tchiroma Bakary has continued to assert that he was the elected president and that he would soon return to Cameroon. In his New Year's message of December 31, 2025, he called on Cameroonians not to doubt his imminent return.
Joseph Espoir Biyong, a local political figure in Douala 5th, had already made headlines in November 2025 by publicly declaring that Issa Tchiroma Bakary was the legitimate winner of the presidential election. He stated that he was ready to sacrifice himself to defend truth, justice and democracy.
The announcement of the imminent return of Issa Tchiroma Bakary has sparked mixed reactions within Cameroonian public opinion. Some internet users consider this announcement a mere "dream," while others hope for a major political change.
The FSNC did not participate in the legislative and municipal elections in February 2026. The political future of Issa Tchiroma Bakary and his possible return to Cameroon remain uncertain.
