Cameroon Political Opposition Figure Faces Court Action Over Electoral Turmoil, Government Announces

Election Demonstration in Cameroon
Many in Cameroon are furious over the fact that Paul Biya has won an eighth presidential term

Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has stated that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over allegations that he instigated "violent post-election demonstrations".

At least four protesters have been killed during skirmishes between security forces and opposition supporters since the electoral process on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth consecutive term.

Issa Tchiroma insists that he was the true winner, a statement rejected by the incumbent party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Aggressive responses by security personnel on demonstrators have concerned the world leaders, with the UN, AU and European Union calling for caution.

Official's Allegations

Recently, the interior minister accused Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he labeled "illegal" rallies causing the fatalities, and also criticised him for declaring victory in the presidential race.

He further stated that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.

Poll Figures

The president, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the 12 October vote with over half of the vote, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to the electoral authority.

Challenger's Position

Issa Tchiroma is has not yet commented to the government's decision to try him, but he had before announced that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being taken into custody.

Following the vote count, he claimed that armed men used lethal force on protesters assembled near his residence in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 individuals.

Inquiry Announced

Earlier this week, the interior minister disclosed that an probe would be launched into clashes prior to and following the declaration of the election results.

"Throughout the violence, some of the individuals involved died," he stated, without providing a precise figure of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the clashes.

The minister noted that multiple members of the security forces also received major harm.

Current Situation

Even though the interior minister asserted the state of affairs across the country was now under control, protesters continue to protest in certain regions of the country, especially in urban centers, where protesters established barricades on Tuesday, and ignited tires on the streets.

Experts caution that the election-related unrest could push the country into a leadership vacuum.

Andrew May
Andrew May

A tech strategist and innovation consultant with over a decade of experience in Silicon Valley and global markets.