Post-election tensions rise as Cameroon targets opposition leader for ‘illegal protests

The Cameroonian government has announced plans to charge opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary for allegedly encouraging violent protests after the recent presidential election.

Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji said on Tuesday that Tchiroma Bakary organised “illegal” demonstrations that led to deaths and unrest.

He added that others involved in what he called an “insurrectionary plan” would also face prosecution.

At least four people have died in clashes between security forces and protesters since the October 12 election, where 92-year-old President Paul Biya was declared the winner with 53.7% of the vote.

Tchiroma Bakary came second with 35.2%, according to official results.
Tchiroma Bakary has rejected the outcome, claiming he actually won.

He accused the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) of rigging the vote and vowed not to accept “a stolen election.” He also said security forces opened fire near his home in Garoua on election day, killing at least two people.

Minister Nji confirmed that an investigation would be launched into the violence before and after the results were announced.

He said several security officers were injured but that “the situation is now under control.”
However, protests continued in parts of Douala and Garoua on Tuesday, where demonstrators blocked roads and burned tyres.

The United Nations, African Union, and European Union have all urged calm and warned that the ongoing unrest could worsen Cameroon’s political instability.