Cameroon Opposition Leader Faces Legal Action Regarding Election Unrest, Government Announces

Election Protest in Cameroon
Many in Cameroon show outrage over the fact that Paul Biya has secured an eighth term

Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has announced that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over accusations that he incited "violent election protests".

No fewer than 4 demonstrators have been fatally wounded during confrontations between security forces and opposition supporters since the presidential election on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 winning an eighth consecutive term.

Tchiroma Bakary asserts that he was the true winner, a claim rejected by the incumbent party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Aggressive responses by security personnel on protesters have concerned the global community, with the United Nations, AU and European Union demanding caution.

Minister's Allegations

Earlier this week, the interior minister charged Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he described as "illegal" protests leading to the fatalities, and also criticised him for announcing success in the election.

He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices behind an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.

Election Results

The president, who took control in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, secured the October 12 vote with 53.7% of the votes, compared to just over a third for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.

Leader's Stance

Tchiroma Bakary is remains silent to the government's decision to prosecute him, but he had before announced that he rejected a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being detained.

Following the vote count, he said that armed men used lethal force on demonstrators present near his home in Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 people.

Investigation Revealed

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

"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals lost their lives," he stated, without providing a specific number of demonstrators who have been killed in the confrontations.

Nji further mentioned that multiple officers of the law enforcement also received serious injuries.

Ongoing Circumstances

While the interior minister insisted the condition nationwide was now under control, protesters are still demonstrating in some parts of the nation, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators set up obstructions on that day, and ignited tyres on the roads.

Observers warn that the political turmoil could plunge the nation into a leadership vacuum.

Charles Miller
Charles Miller

An international business strategist with over 15 years of experience advising multinational corporations on market entry and sustainable growth.