YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon — In a dramatic turn of events that could reshape the political landscape ahead of Cameroon’s presidential election, Minister of Employment and Vocational Training Issa Tchiroma Bakary has resigned from government, confirming to ABS News on Tuesday that he is “in business” and may soon be seeking the presidency.
“I brought an end to my presence in the government. There is no need to elaborate or to specify. With joy, I confirm the resignation,” Tchiroma said in an exclusive interview with ABS News. “Please allow me not to elaborate more at this time. Next week I have to be in my hometown, where a few things have to be fulfilled relevant to the decision that I took today.”
Pressed on whether he was preparing to run in the October election, Tchiroma hinted strongly at his intentions: “This resignation is to send an unequivocal message to whoever that I am in business when I said so a while ago. The electoral body is supposed to be summoned on the 12th of next month, that is when it is possible to submit an application for candidacy, and when it is validated, I will be authorized to start campaigning.”
His resignation, submitted to Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute, comes just one week after Tchiroma made headlines for publicly urging his supporters to reject the ruling CPDM party. Speaking at a rally in Garoua, he declared: “Anyone who invites you to vote for something that’s already known to be the cause of your suffering is your enemy… Even if I, Tchiroma, tell you tomorrow to vote for those responsible for your misfortunes, consider me your enemy.”
Long considered a maverick within Cameroonian politics, Tchiroma served in various governments since 1992, most recently under President Paul Biya, while also leading the opposition FSNC party. His shift from government insider to vocal critic has stirred speculation about an emerging political alternative in Cameroon’s Grand North.
Tchiroma is set to leave Yaoundé for Garoua next week, where he is expected to deliver a major public address. While declining to give details, insiders say the speech will outline his political roadmap and set the tone for what could be a formidable challenge to the status quo.
His departure comes as discontent simmers across the country, especially among youth grappling with unemployment and economic stagnation. “Register on the electoral list, get your cards… make a bold choice that will get us out of the misery of these 42 years,” he said earlier this month.
With the electoral calendar expected to begin officially in mid-July, Tchiroma’s move is viewed as both strategic and symbolic—breaking ranks with Biya’s CPDM and signaling to northern voters that he intends to be a major player in the upcoming race.
