Cameroon opposition leader to face legal action over election unrest, government says

Cameroon Opposition Leader Faces Legal Action Amid Post-Election Turmoil

In the wake of Cameroon’s contentious presidential election held on 12 October 2025, the political landscape has been rocked by unrest and controversy.

The country’s Interior Minister, Paul Atanga Nji, announced that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal proceedings for allegedly inciting violent demonstrations following the election results.

These protests, which erupted across several cities, have led to the deaths of at least four civilians and injuries to members of the security forces.

President Paul Biya, aged 92 and the world’s oldest head of state, was declared the winner of the election, securing a reported 53.7% of the vote. This marks his eighth consecutive term since assuming office in 1982. His main challenger, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who garnered 35.2% according to the Constitutional Council, has rejected the outcome, claiming victory and denouncing the results as fraudulent. He has publicly stated that he will not accept what he calls a stolen vote and expressed readiness to face arrest if necessary.

The government accuses Tchiroma Bakary of organizing illegal protests that led to fatalities and unrest, particularly in cities like Douala and Garoua. Demonstrators have mounted roadblocks and burned tyres, defying government assurances that the situation is under control.

Minister Nji also indicated that an investigation would be launched into the violence that occurred before and after the announcement of the election results, suggesting that some of the protesters who engaged in criminal acts were killed during clashes.

International bodies including the United Nations, the African Union, and the European Union have expressed concern over the violent crackdowns and urged restraint from all parties.

Analysts warn that the escalating post-electoral violence could plunge Cameroon into a deeper political crisis, especially given the entrenched leadership and growing dissatisfaction among the populace.

Issa Tchiroma Bakary, once a government spokesperson, has emerged as a formidable opposition figure. His transformation from a regime insider to a vocal critic underscores the shifting dynamics within Cameroon's political sphere.

 As legal action looms, the country faces a critical juncture, with its democratic institutions and civil liberties under intense scrutiny.