Cameroonian Political Opposition Leader to Face Legal Action Regarding Post-Election Violence, Authorities Announces

Election Protest in Cameroon
Numerous in Cameroon express anger that Paul Biya has secured an eighth consecutive term

Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has stated that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over allegations that he incited "violent post-election demonstrations".

No fewer than 4 demonstrators have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between security forces and demonstrators since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya securing an eighth consecutive term.

Tchiroma Bakary insists that he emerged victorious, a claim dismissed by the incumbent party, the ruling CPDM.

Violent crackdowns by security personnel on demonstrators have worried the global community, with the United Nations, AU and European Union calling for restraint.

Official's Accusations

On Tuesday, the interior minister charged Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he referred to as "illegal" rallies resulting in the fatalities, and also condemned him for announcing success in the election.

He further stated that the opposition leader's "accomplices responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action.

Election Results

Cameroon's leader, who came to power in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, secured the October 12 vote with a majority of the ballots, compared to just over a third for his opponent, according to the electoral authority.

Challenger's Position

Tchiroma Bakary is has not yet commented to the official announcement to bring him to court, but he had before declared that he rejected a rigged election - and that he was fearless of being taken into custody.

On election result day, he said that armed men used lethal force on demonstrators gathered near his house in Garoua, killing at least two people.

Investigation Launched

Recently, the government official disclosed that an investigation would be initiated into violent incidents before and after the declaration of the poll figures.

"During these attacks, some of the perpetrators were killed," he said, without providing a precise figure of protesters who have been fatally injured in the confrontations.

The minister added that several personnel of the security forces also received significant wounds.

Present Conditions

While Nji asserted the state of affairs throughout Cameroon was now under control, demonstrators continue to protest in various areas of the country, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators established barricades on Tuesday, and ignited tyres on the thoroughfares.

Observers alert that the political turmoil could lead the nation into a leadership vacuum.

Kayla Carpenter
Kayla Carpenter

A tech enthusiast and business strategist with over a decade of experience in digital transformation and startup consulting.