Cameroonian Political Opposition Leader to Face Legal Proceedings Concerning Post-Election Violence, Government Says

Election Protest in Cameroon
Numerous in Cameroon are furious over the fact that the president has won an eighth term

The nation's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has declared that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over accusations that he incited "aggressive post-election demonstrations".

No fewer than 4 protesters have been fatally wounded during clashes between police and military and demonstrators since the presidential election on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya obtaining an eighth consecutive term.

Issa Tchiroma asserts that he emerged victorious, a claim dismissed by the incumbent party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Violent crackdowns by law enforcement on demonstrators have concerned the global community, with the UN, AU and European Union calling for caution.

Official's Claims

Recently, the interior minister accused Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he described as "illegal" rallies causing the loss of lives, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the presidential race.

He further stated that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators responsible for an subversive plot" will also face legal action.

Vote Outcome

The president, who took control in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, obtained the 12 October vote with a majority of the ballots, compared to just over a third for his opponent, according to the electoral authority.

Challenger's Position

Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the government's decision to try him, but he had earlier declared that he refused to acknowledge a rigged election - and that he was fearless of being detained.

Following the vote count, he reported that gunmen used lethal force on protesters gathered near his home in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 civilians.

Probe Revealed

On Tuesday, the government official revealed that an probe would be initiated into violent incidents prior to and following the announcement of the poll figures.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the individuals involved died," he stated, without offering a precise figure of demonstrators who have been killed in the confrontations.

The minister further mentioned that several officers of the police and military also suffered major harm.

Current Situation

While the interior minister insisted the situation throughout Cameroon was now stable, demonstrators continue to protest in some parts of the nation, especially in urban centers, where protesters established barricades on that day, and set fire to rubber on the streets.

Experts alert that the post-electoral violence could lead the nation into a leadership vacuum.

Matthew Lynn
Matthew Lynn

Urban planner and writer passionate about sustainable city design and community-focused development projects.