Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji says opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over allegations he incited violent post-election demonstrations. At least four protesters have been killed during clashes between security forces and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya winning an eighth consecutive term. Tchiroma Bakary insists he won the election, a claim dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Violent crackdowns by police and security officers on protesters have alarmed the international community, with the UN, African Union and EU calling for restraint. Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of organizing illegal protests leading to fatalities and criticized him for declaring victory in the election. Furthermore, Tchiroma Bakary's accomplices responsible for an insurrectionary plan will also face legal consequences.
Biya, who has ruled since 1982, won the October 12 election with 53.7% of the vote compared to Tchiroma Bakary’s 35.2%, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council. On election result day, Tchiroma alleged that armed assailants opened fire on protesters near his residence, causing civilian casualties. Despite Nji's assertions that the situation is controlled, protests persist, particularly in major cities like Douala and Garoua, raising fears of further political unrest.
Violent crackdowns by police and security officers on protesters have alarmed the international community, with the UN, African Union and EU calling for restraint. Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of organizing illegal protests leading to fatalities and criticized him for declaring victory in the election. Furthermore, Tchiroma Bakary's accomplices responsible for an insurrectionary plan will also face legal consequences.
Biya, who has ruled since 1982, won the October 12 election with 53.7% of the vote compared to Tchiroma Bakary’s 35.2%, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council. On election result day, Tchiroma alleged that armed assailants opened fire on protesters near his residence, causing civilian casualties. Despite Nji's assertions that the situation is controlled, protests persist, particularly in major cities like Douala and Garoua, raising fears of further political unrest.
