Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has announced that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action due to his alleged incitement of violent post-election demonstrations. These protests erupted following the controversial re-election of President Paul Biya, who secured his eighth consecutive term amidst widespread claims of election fraud.
Since the election held on October 12, violent clashes between security forces and opposition supporters have resulted in the deaths of at least four protesters. Following the election, Tchiroma Bakary claimed victory, a statement dismissed by Biya's ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
The international community has expressed alarm over the violent crackdowns on demonstrators, with calls for restraint coming from the United Nations, the African Union, and the European Union.
Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of orchestrating illegal protests inflamed by his declaration of victory, and stated that he would face charges along with accomplices involved in an insurrectionary plan. Biya received 53.7% of the vote according to the Constitutional Council, versus 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary.
Tchiroma Bakary has not responded publicly to the threat of legal action but has previously stated his unwillingness to accept what he calls a stolen election. Eyewitness reports from election day claim armed men targeted protesters near his residence in Garoua, resulting in civilian casualties.
In reaction to the unrest, Nji has stated an investigation will be launched into the violent incidents pre-and post-election. While he claims that the situation is now under control, protests continue in various regions, particularly in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators have erected roadblocks and burned tires.
Political analysts warn that the persisting unrest could lead Cameroon into a larger political crisis, as tensions between authorities and opposition supporters exhibit no signs of resolution.
