Cameroonian Political Opposition Leader Faces Legal Action Regarding Election Unrest, Government Declares

Election Protest in Cameroon
Many in Cameroon express anger over the fact that the president has won an eighth consecutive term

The nation's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has announced that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over accusations that he incited "violent election protests".

No fewer than four demonstrators have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between security forces and demonstrators since the presidential election on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya winning an eighth presidential mandate.

Issa Tchiroma maintains that he won the election, a statement disputed by the incumbent party, the ruling CPDM.

Forceful measures by police and security officers on protesters have worried the global community, with the United Nations, AU and EU urging moderation.

Official's Accusations

Earlier this week, Nji charged Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he referred to as "unlawful" rallies resulting in the loss of lives, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.

He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates responsible for an subversive plot" will also be prosecuted.

Election Results

The president, who took control in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, secured the 12 October election with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for the challenger, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Opposition Response

Tchiroma Bakary is yet to respond to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had previously declared that he rejected a fraudulent outcome - and that he was undaunted of being taken into custody.

Following the vote count, he claimed that security forces shot on protesters present near his residence in Garoua, fatally wounding at least two people.

Inquiry Revealed

Recently, the government official disclosed that an probe would be initiated into unrest surrounding the announcement of the election results.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the individuals involved died," he stated, without giving a exact count of protesters who have been killed in the confrontations.

The minister added that a number of personnel of the police and military also sustained serious injuries.

Current Situation

Although the interior minister insisted the condition throughout Cameroon was now under control, protesters are still demonstrating in various areas of the country, especially in urban centers, where protesters established barricades on Tuesday, and set fire to tires on the roads.

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

Benjamin Jennings
Benjamin Jennings

Lena is a tech journalist and digital strategist with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and their impact on society.