Cameroon Opposition Figure Confronts Legal Action Concerning Post-Election Violence, Government Announces

Political Demonstration in Cameroon
Many in Cameroon are furious over the fact that the president has won an eighth term

The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has declared that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he incited "aggressive electoral rallies".

A minimum of four demonstrators have been killed during clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 securing an eighth consecutive term.

Tchiroma Bakary asserts that he was the true winner, a statement dismissed by the incumbent party, the ruling CPDM.

Aggressive responses by security personnel on protesters have worried the international community, with the United Nations, AU and European Union demanding caution.

Official's Accusations

On Tuesday, Nji charged Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he referred to as "illegal" rallies resulting in the fatalities, and also rebuked him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.

He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates responsible for an subversive plot" will also undergo judicial processes.

Election Results

Paul Biya, who took control in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, secured the 12 October election with over half of the ballots, compared to 35.2% for his opponent, according to the constitutional court.

Leader's Stance

The opposition figure is has not yet commented to the government's decision to prosecute him, but he had before declared that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was undaunted of being taken into custody.

Following the vote count, he claimed that security forces shot on demonstrators gathered near his home in Garoua, causing the death of at least two people.

Inquiry Announced

Earlier this week, the interior minister revealed that an investigation would be started into violent incidents prior to and following the announcement of the vote outcome.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals lost their lives," he stated, without giving a exact count of protesters who have been lost their lives in the confrontations.

The minister further mentioned that multiple officers of the police and military also suffered significant wounds.

Current Situation

Even though Nji insisted the condition across the country was now manageable, protesters are still demonstrating in various areas of the country, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators set up roadblocks on Tuesday, and burnt tyres on the thoroughfares.

Observers warn that the election-related unrest could plunge the nation into a political crisis.

Sarah White
Sarah White

A digital strategist and tech writer with over a decade of experience in analyzing emerging technologies and their impact on modern business landscapes.