Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has announced that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action in connection with allegations that he incited violent post-election demonstrations.
Since the election held on October 12, where 92-year-old President Paul Biya was declared the winner for an eighth consecutive term, clashes between security forces and opposition supporters have resulted in at least four deaths.
Tchiroma Bakary, who insists that he actually won the election, has had his claims dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM). The violence surrounding the election has drawn international attention, with entities like the UN, African Union, and EU calling for calm.
In a statement, Minister Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of organizing illegal protests that resulted in fatalities and criticized him for prematurely declaring victory.
On October 12, Biya secured approximately 53.7% of the vote against Tchiroma Bakary's 35.2%, as reported by Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Tchiroma Bakary has not yet publicly addressed the legal threats against him but previously stated he would not tolerate perceived electoral fraud and that he was not afraid of arrest.
Post-election protests continue in various cities, with demonstrators erecting roadblocks and burning tires, as the government insists that order has been restored.
Reports and analysis suggest that the ongoing unrest could threaten the country's political stability, raising serious concerns about the potential for a prolonged crisis.
