Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has announced that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over accusations of inciting violent post-election demonstrations.
Following the election on 12 October, where 92-year-old President Paul Biya claimed victory for a historic eighth consecutive term, protests erupted, leading to clashes with security forces in which at least four protesters were killed.
Tchiroma Bakary claims he won the election, a statement rejected by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM). The international community, including the United Nations and the African Union, has expressed concerns over the violent police crackdowns during protests.
On Tuesday, Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of organizing illegal protests and declared that those who assisted him would also face justice. Tchiroma Bakary secured 35.2% of the vote, while Biya garnered 53.7%, according to the Constitutional Council.
Tchiroma Bakary previously indicated his unwillingness to accept a stolen vote, and stated he was unafraid of arrest. Following the announcement of election results, he reported that armed individuals fired on protesters outside his residence, injuring several civilians.
While Nji mentioned the situation is now under control, protests continue in areas like Douala and Garoua, with demonstrators erecting roadblocks. Analysts warn that the current unrest could lead to a broader political crisis in Cameroon.
Additional reporting by Natasha Booty and Michel Mvondo.
