Cameroon Political Opposition Figure Confronts Legal Action Concerning Electoral Turmoil, Authorities Says

Political Demonstration in Cameroon
Numerous in Cameroon express anger over the fact that the president has won an eighth consecutive term

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

At least 4 demonstrators have been killed during clashes between security forces and demonstrators since the electoral process on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 securing an eighth consecutive term.

Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he won the election, a assertion dismissed by the incumbent party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Violent crackdowns by police and security officers on demonstrators have alarmed the global community, with the UN, AU and European Union urging restraint.

Minister's Accusations

Recently, the interior minister charged Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he labeled "illegal" protests leading to the loss of lives, and also criticised him for announcing success in the election.

He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates behind an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.

Poll Figures

Paul Biya, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, won the 12 October vote with a majority of the vote, compared to just over a third for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the constitutional court.

Challenger's Position

Tchiroma Bakary is remains silent to the authorities' move to try him, but he had previously announced that he would not accept a rigged election - and that he was not afraid of being detained.

Following the vote count, he said that armed men shot on demonstrators present near his home in Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 civilians.

Investigation Revealed

Recently, the government official disclosed that an inquiry would be initiated into violent incidents prior to and following the declaration of the vote outcome.

"Throughout the violence, some of the individuals involved died," he stated, without providing a exact count of protesters who have been killed in the incidents.

The minister added that several personnel of the security forces also received major harm.

Ongoing Circumstances

Although the interior minister maintained the state of affairs across the country was now manageable, protesters remain active in certain regions of the country, especially in these two cities, where protesters mounted roadblocks on that day, and burnt tires on the streets.

Observers warn that the post-electoral violence could lead the nation into a political crisis.

Trevor Boone
Trevor Boone

A tech journalist and software developer with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and digital transformation.