Opposition Leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary Will Face Prosecution in Cameroon for Lethal Post-Election Demonstrations
The government of Cameroon charges opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary of instigating violent protests following the contentious reelection of President Paul Biya.
Issa Tchiroma Bakary, the leader of the opposition, will be prosecuted by the government of Cameroon for allegedly inciting violent protests after the country’s contentious presidential election.
Accusing Tchiroma Bakary of planning “illegal” rallies that resulted in fatalities, Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji said Tuesday that his “accomplices responsible for an insurrectionary plan” would also face judicial action.
Conflicts between security forces and opposition supporters have resulted in the deaths of at least four protestors since the election on October 12, when 92-year-old President Paul Biya won 53.7% of the vote to win an eighth consecutive term. According to the Constitutional Council, Tchiroma Bakary was awarded 35.2%.
The opposition leader has denied the outcome, claiming to have won the election. Biya’s ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) has denied this assertion. He earlier stated that he was not frightened of being detained and that he would not accept “a stolen vote” in an interview with the BBC.
At least two citizens were killed when armed men opened fire on demonstrators gathered close to Tchiroma Bakary’s Garoua home on election day, Bakary further stated.
Both before and after the election results were published, the interior minister indicated that an investigation would be conducted into the violence. Without mentioning the exact number of fatalities, he stated, “Some of the criminals lost their lives during these attacks.”
Nji insisted that the situation was now under control countrywide, despite the fact that a number of security officers suffered severe injuries during the disturbances.
On Tuesday, protesters set up barriers and set fire to tires in portions of Douala and Garoua, despite his promises.
Fearing that the violence following the election may further destabilize Cameroon, the European Union, African Union, and United Nations have all urged moderation.
