The Cameroonian government has announced its intention to pursue legal action against opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary. Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji claims that Bakary is responsible for inciting violent demonstrations following the recent presidential election. The clashes between security forces and opposition supporters have tragically resulted in several deaths.
President Paul Biya, 92, has won an eighth term in office following the October 12 election. However, the results are disputed, with Tchiroma Bakary asserting his own victory. Biya’s ruling party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), has dismissed these claims.
The international community, including the UN, African Union, and EU, has expressed concern over the violent crackdowns by police and security forces on protesters, urging for restraint.
Minister Nji specifically accused Tchiroma Bakary on Tuesday of organizing illegal protests that led to loss of life and criticized his declaration of victory. Nji also stated that individuals complicit in what he termed an “insurrectionary plan” would face legal consequences.
President Biya, who has been in power since 1982, was declared the winner with 53.7% of the vote, while Tchiroma Bakary secured 35.2%, according to the Constitutional Council of Cameroon.
While Tchiroma Bakary has not yet formally responded to the government’s decision, he had previously indicated to the BBC that he would not accept a fraudulent vote and was not afraid of arrest. Following the election results announcement, he alleged that armed individuals fired upon his supporters in Garoua, causing at least two civilian fatalities.
An investigation into the pre- and post-election violence is set to be launched, according to the interior minister. He noted that some individuals involved in the attacks lost their lives, though a precise number of protester fatalities was not provided. Several members of the security forces also sustained serious injuries.
Despite the minister’s assertion that the national situation is under control, protests persist in key cities like Douala and Garoua, with demonstrators engaging in acts such as blocking roads and burning tires. Political analysts fear that the post-election turmoil could escalate into a significant political crisis for the nation.
Additional reporting by Natasha Booty and Michel Mvondo.