Cameroon’s Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji announced that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal proceedings for allegedly inciting violent demonstrations following the recent presidential election. The election, held on October 12, resulted in President Paul Biya, who has been in power since 1982, winning an eighth consecutive term with 53.7% of the vote, compared to Tchiroma Bakary’s 35.2%, as confirmed by the Constitutional Council.
Since the election, clashes between security forces and opposition supporters have reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least four protesters. Tchiroma Bakary has claimed victory in the election, which the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) has rejected. In response to the protests, Nji has accused Tchiroma Bakary of organizing what he termed “illegal” demonstrations and also criticized his declaration of victory. Additionally, Nji outlined intentions to pursue legal action against those associated with an alleged insurrectionary plan.
While Tchiroma Bakary has not yet reacted publicly to the government’s decision for legal action, he has previously stated his refusal to accept what he described as a “stolen vote” and expressed no fear of arrest. Reports from election day indicate that armed individuals opened fire on protesting crowds near his residence in Garoua, leading to at least two fatalities.
In light of the unrest, Nji revealed that an investigation would take place regarding violent incidents that occurred around the election results announcement. He mentioned that some “criminals” lost their lives during these confrontations, though specific casualty figures were not detailed. Despite Nji’s assertion that the situation is now under control, protests persist in various areas, particularly in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators have engaged in roadblocks and burning tires. Concerns have been raised by analysts about the potential for ongoing violence to lead to a political crisis in the country.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgm37ny34zo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss