Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji announced that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over allegations of inciting violent post-election demonstrations. This announcement comes in the wake of the October 12 elections, which resulted in at least four protesters being killed during clashes with security forces.
President Paul Biya, 92, secured victory with 53.7% of the votes, while Tchiroma Bakary claims he actually won. The ruling party has dismissed these claims as unfounded. Following the election results, reactions from opposition supporters culminated in protests that drew international concern, with the UN and African Union calling for restraint.
Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of organizing illegal protests that caused loss of life and stated that those he referred to as Tchiroma’s accomplices who are believed to be part of an insurrectionary plan would also face legal action. Despite the government's assertion that the situation is currently under control, violent protests persist in major cities such as Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators have erected roadblocks.
This series of events has analysts warning that prolonged unrest could lead to a significant political crisis in Cameroon.
