Amidst Political Turmoil, Cameroon Opposition Leader Faces Charges Over Election Protests

Wed Oct 29 2025 20:14:57 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Cameroon’s opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary is set to face legal action following claims of inciting violent demonstrations after the recent elections that resulted in the re-election of President Paul Biya. This news highlights the increasing tension within the nation as protests against alleged electoral fraud continue.

Cameroon's Interior Minister has announced that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal charges related to violent protests that erupted following the contentious re-election of President Paul Biya. With claims of electoral fraud and a rising death toll from clashes, the situation in Cameroon appears increasingly volatile, raising international concerns about the response of the authorities to dissent.

Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has stated that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action for allegedly inciting 'violent post-election demonstrations'.

The unrest has resulted in the deaths of at least four protesters during violent confrontations between security forces and opposition supporters since the election held on October 12, where 92-year-old President Paul Biya was declared the winner, securing an eighth term.

Tchiroma Bakary insists he won the election, a claim that has been strongly rejected by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

The international community has expressed alarm at the recent violent crackdowns on protesters, with organizations including the UN, African Union, and EU urging restraint and respect for human rights.

During a press conference, Minister Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of orchestrating 'illegal' protests that led to loss of life and criticized his claim of electoral victory. He further mentioned plans to pursue legal action against Tchiroma Bakary and his accomplices, whom he accused of being involved in an 'insurrectionary plan'.

Biya, who has been in power since 1982, reportedly won the election with 53.7% of the vote, compared to Tchiroma Bakary's 35.2%, as per the Constitutional Council's announcement.

In response to the government's decision to pursue legal action against him, Tchiroma Bakary previously stated that he would not accept a 'stolen vote' and showed no fear of arrest. Reports indicate that on the day of the election result announcement, armed forces opened fire on protesters near Tchiroma's residence, causing casualties among the civilians present.

Following the violent incidents, an official investigation into the clashes has been launched. Nji confirmed that some protesters had lost their lives during these events but did not provide specific figures. The minister insisted that order had been restored, yet protests continue in various regions, indicating the ongoing discontent among the populace.

Analysts suggest that the post-electoral violence could lead to a deeper political crisis in Cameroon if not addressed effectively.