Cameroon’s Interior Minister, Paul Atanga Nji, has announced that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal proceedings. The charges relate to allegations of inciting violent demonstrations after the recent presidential elections. These demonstrations have reportedly led to the deaths of at least four protesters, with the 92-year-old incumbent President Paul Biya securing a controversial eighth term.
Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he won the election, a claim strongly refuted by President Biya’s ruling party. The international community, including the UN, African Union, and EU, has expressed concern over the violent responses from security forces and has urged for de-escalation.
Minister Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of orchestrating “illegal” protests that resulted in fatalities and criticized his premature declaration of victory. He further stated that Bakary’s “accomplices responsible for an insurrectionary plan” would also be held accountable.
President Biya, Africa’s oldest head of state since coming to power in 1982, was officially declared the winner with 53.7% of the vote, while Tchiroma Bakary secured 35.2%, according to the Constitutional Council.
While Tchiroma Bakary has not yet officially responded to the government’s legal threat, he has previously asserted his belief that the election was fraudulent and expressed no fear of arrest. He had also alleged that security forces fired on his supporters, resulting in civilian casualties. An investigation into pre- and post-election violence has been announced by the interior ministry, acknowledging that some individuals involved in the unrest lost their lives, though specific numbers were not provided.
Despite the government’s assurances that the situation is under control, protests continue in cities like Douala and Garoua, with demonstrators blocking roads and setting tyres ablaze. Analysts suggest this post-election turmoil could lead to a significant political crisis in Cameroon.
Additional reporting by Natasha Booty and Michel Mvondo.