Cameroon’s Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has announced that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face prosecution for allegedly inciting violent protests.
Bakary, who ran against Biya in the October 12 presidential election, has formally rejected the results, calling the vote “a hijacking of the people’s sovereignty” and claiming he; not Biya, was the rightful winner. According to the Constitutional Council, Biya, 92, secured an eighth consecutive term with 53.66% of the vote.
Speaking from Garoua, Bakary said his party’s independent tally showed him leading with 54.8%. He accused authorities of manipulating the results and using force to silence dissent, alleging that security forces had fired on civilians gathered outside his residence.
“The assault has begun,” he said, urging his supporters to remain peaceful and calling on the international community to intervene.
At least four people have been killed in clashes between opposition supporters and security forces since the vote, according to local reports.
On Tuesday, Minister Nji condemned the unrest, accusing Bakary of “organising illegal demonstrations” and declaring himself president. He said the opposition leader and his “accomplices responsible for an insurrectionary plan” would face legal action.
Authorities reported vandalism and attacks on public and private property in several cities, warning that anyone, including media outlets, found supporting the unrest would be prosecuted.
Biya, 92, has ruled Cameroon for over four decades, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
