Cameroon opposition leader faces trial over post-election unrest

Cameroon opposition leader faces trial over post-election unrest

Cameroon’s Interior Minister, Paul Atanga Nji, has announced that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over allegations of inciting violent demonstrations following the country’s presidential election held on October 12.

The announcement comes amid rising tensions in the country, where at least four people have reportedly died in clashes between security forces and opposition supporters. President Paul Biya, 92, was declared winner of the election, securing an eighth consecutive term with 53.7% of the vote, according to the Constitutional Council. Tchiroma Bakary, who polled 35.2%, has rejected the results, insisting he won the election.

Speaking in Yaoundé on Tuesday, Minister Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of organising “illegal” protests that led to the loss of lives and disruption of public order. He also condemned the opposition leader’s declaration of victory, describing it as provocative and unlawful.

“Tchiroma Bakary and his accomplices responsible for an insurrectionary plan will face legal consequences,” Nji said.

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The minister disclosed that an investigation has been launched into violent incidents that occurred before and after the announcement of the election results. He said some of the “criminals” involved in the unrest lost their lives, while several security personnel sustained serious injuries.

Despite assurances from the government that the situation is under control, protests continued in parts of the country, particularly in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators mounted roadblocks and set tyres ablaze.

Tchiroma Bakary has yet to respond to the government’s decision to prosecute him. However, in an earlier interview with the BBC, he vowed not to accept what he described as a “stolen vote” and said he was not afraid of arrest.

He claimed that armed men opened fire on protesters near his residence in Garoua on the day election results were announced, killing at least two civilians.

The post-election violence has drawn concern from the international community, with the United Nations, African Union, and European Union calling for restraint and dialogue.

Political analysts warn that the unrest could escalate into a broader crisis if not addressed swiftly and transparently. President Biya, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982, remains the world’s oldest serving head of state.

Cameroon opposition leader faces trial over post-election unrest