Cameroon’s Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, says “occult networks at home and abroad” are trying to set the country on fire, after presidential candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary declared himself winner of the 12 October presidential election. The government says the move violates electoral law.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Minister Paul Atanga Nji described the act as “of extreme gravity” and accused the candidate of attempting to disrupt the electoral process and destabilize the country.
Mr. Tchiroma, a former government minister, released a video message from his residence on Monday claiming victory, despite the official results not yet being announced.
The Minister dismissed the declaration as “an imposture” and said the candidate had failed to deploy representatives in half of the polling stations nationwide.
The government alleges that Mr. Tchiroma is acting “in complicity with local and foreign networks” to discredit the electoral process.
Protests Erupt Nationwide
The warning came as protests broke out in some cities on October 14 and 15, with demonstrators in Douala and Kousserie accusing authorities of manipulating the outcome of the vote.
Crowds gathered in parts of Yaoundé, Douala, and Kousserie, calling for transparency in the vote-counting process and denouncing what they described as “state interference.”
Security forces were deployed to disperse the gatherings, and witnesses reported tense scenes in some areas.
Atanga Nji Defends Process
Minister Atanga Nji said the election had taken place peacefully, citing reports from 5,575 national and international observers accredited by the government.
He maintained that no major incidents were recorded and that minor irregularities could not affect the credibility of the vote.
The Minister assured that the vote-counting process will proceed legally, noting that the National Commission for the General Counting of Votes would soon be convened by the electoral body ELECAM.
Its report will then be forwarded to the Constitutional Council, the only institution legally authorized to proclaim the final results.
“Law Will Prevail”
Reaffirming the government’s stance on maintaining order, Mr. Atanga Nji warned that Issa Tchiroma Bakary’s actions would be “dealt with firmly.”
He reminded political actors of President Paul Biya’s past warning: “One must not play with Cameroon.”
“The government will ensure the protection of persons and property before, during and after the election, in line with the directives of the Head of State,” the Minister said.
The government reiterated that only the Constitutional Council has the power to announce the official results of the presidential election.