Issa Tchiroma Bakary born 10 September 1946 is a Cameroonian politician, statesman, and former railway engineer. Over the years, he has served in several key government roles, including Minister of Transport (1992–1996), Minister of Communication (2009–2019), and Minister of Employment and Vocational Training (2019–2025). He is the founder and current president of the Front for the National Salvation of Cameroon (FNSC), a political party he formed in 2007. Once a close ally of President Paul Biya, Tchiroma later became one of his strongest critics. In June 2025, he resigned from the government and announced his candidacy for the 2025 presidential election.
Issa Tchiroma Profile
| Name | Issa Tchiroma |
| Real Name | Issa Tchiroma Bakary |
| Date of Birth | 10 September 1946 |
| Age | 79 years |
| Nationality | Cameroonian |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Net Worth | $3 Million |
| Copied from | contents101.com |
Educational Background
Issa Tchiroma was born in Garoua, in northern Cameroon. He went to France for higher education, where he received technical training in transport and materials engineering. After completing his studies, he returned home and worked as a materials and construction engineer at the Cameroon National Railway Corporation in Douala.
Career
Tchiroma began his professional career as a railway engineer before venturing into politics. His journey took a dramatic turn in 1984 when he was arrested after a failed coup attempt against President Paul Biya. Though he denied any involvement, he spent six years in detention under harsh conditions before being released in 1990.
After his release, Tchiroma joined the National Union for Democracy and Progress (UNDP) and was elected to the National Assembly in 1992. That same year, President Biya appointed him Minister of Transport a move that stirred controversy within both the ruling and opposition parties.
Following internal disputes, Tchiroma later left the UNDP and in 2007 founded the Front for the National Salvation of Cameroon (FNSC), becoming its president. In 2009, he was appointed Minister of Communication, a position he held for a decade. He later served as Minister of Employment and Vocational Training from 2019 until June 2025, when he resigned from the cabinet and joined the opposition.
After leaving the government, Tchiroma announced his presidential bid under the FNSC banner. During the campaign, he drew large crowds and gained support from several opposition groups. In early October 2025, following the presidential election, Tchiroma declared himself the winner in a video shared on social media, calling on President Paul Biya to concede.
In the video filmed in Garoua, Tchiroma said the people had chosen change and urged Biya to “honour the truth of the ballot box.” However, the government warned that only the Constitutional Council could officially announce results. Despite that, Tchiroma insisted that the election marked the “beginning of a new era” for Cameroon.
Controversies
Issa Tchiroma has been a controversial figure throughout his political career. His arrest in 1984 during the failed coup left lasting marks on his image. Later, his acceptance of ministerial positions under Biya while in an opposition party caused friction with fellow politicians, leading to his expulsion from the UNDP. In 2025, his decision to declare himself president before official results were announced drew criticism from government officials and sparked heated political debate.
Issa Tchiroma Social Media Handle
Issa Tchiroma Bakary is not active on social media. Most of his public statements and appearances are shared through official party channels or traditional media outlets.
Personal Life
Tchiroma is married and has children. He is known to be multilingual, fluent in both French and English, the latter of which he taught himself during his years in prison. Despite the challenges he has faced, Tchiroma is often described as resilient, outspoken, and deeply committed to national unity and reform.
Issa Tchiroma Net Worth
Issa Tchiroma Bakary’s net worth is estimated to be around $3 million.