Tchiroma Spokeswoman Debunks Talks, Rules Out Local Elections

[YAOUNDÉ, Jan 15, 2026 — Cameroon Concord] — Persistent rumours circulating in Francophone media and on social networks alleging that Issa Tchiroma Bakary is secretly negotiating a return or compromise with the regime of President Paul Biya have been categorically denied by his camp.

In an official clarification, Tchiroma’s spokesperson, Alice Nkom, reaffirmed that she alone speaks on behalf of the man his supporters describe as the “legitimate President,” and that no discussions, contacts, or backchannel talks are taking place.

“There has been no mandate, no emissary, no intermediary — formal or informal — instructed to negotiate anything with a regime that has confiscated the sovereignty of the Cameroonian people,” the camp insists.

Rumours in Francophone Media Circles

The denial follows days of speculation within Francophone media and political circles suggesting that Tchiroma was seeking a negotiated arrangement to “return” politically or physically to Cameroon. Some commentaries portrayed these alleged talks as a sign of retreat or recalibration.

Those claims were publicly challenged in a pointed opinion statement by Mouctar Hamadou, a political activist, who described the reports as “gross disinformation” and a deliberate attempt to mislead public opinion.

“This is false. This is fake. This is manipulation,” Hamadou wrote, accusing unnamed actors of attempting to weaken popular mobilisation through psychological operations and media intoxication.

A Consistent Line from the Tchiroma Camp

The denial is consistent with the communiqué released earlier by Alice Nkom, in which Tchiroma explicitly rejected any negotiation of what he calls his electoral victory of 12 October 2025. His position, according to his camp, remains unchanged: no compromise is possible without prior recognition of the will of the people as expressed at the polls.

Supporters insist that portraying Tchiroma as bargaining for a comeback is meant to suggest fear, fatigue, or retreat — narratives they say are politically motivated.

“He is standing, focused, and fully committed to the struggle for truth, justice, and the restoration of popular sovereignty,” the statement adds.

“The Truth Is Not Negotiable”

In language aimed directly at the public, Mouctar Hamadou urged Cameroonians to remain vigilant, verify sources, and refuse to relay unverified claims. According to him, the objective of the rumours is clear: division, doubt, and demobilisation.

“The truth is not negotiable,” he wrote. “Cameroon will be liberated by the conscience and determination of its people.”

For the Tchiroma camp, the message is unambiguous. Any announcement concerning negotiations, political processes, or future steps will come exclusively through official channels — and, they stress, none currently exist.

As post-election tensions persist, the episode highlights the growing battle over narrative control in Cameroon’s political crisis, where rumours and counter-rumours now compete almost as fiercely as rallies and communiqués.