Atanga Nji Paul, the Minister of Territorial Administration has affirmed that candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, one of the losers of the October 12, 2025 Presidential Election in Cameroon shall be held accountable before the competent courts for the post-election violence that has gripped part of the country. He made the assertion on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 during a press briefing he granted the national and international media.
Minister Atanga Nji Paul stated that according to reports from national and international independent observers, the election was generally fair and peaceful throughout the national territory. He regretted that while voters calmly awaited the publication of the official results, candidate Issa Tchiroma declared himself winner on October 14, 2025, in violation of the provisions of the Electoral Code. He added that following his self-proclaimed victory, his supporters organised violent protests in several localities nationwide, which were brought under control, thanks to the professionalism of Administrative Officers and security forces. The MINAT Boss said Issa Tchiroma, the irresponsible candidate, driven by the desires to push through the plot to disrupt public order, issued repeated calls on social media inciting civil unrest, urging Cameroonians to take to the streets to defend his so-called victory. Minister Atanga Nji Paul said in response to the calls of candidate Issa Tchiroma, small groups of young people, often under the influence of drugs, wreaked havoc in several towns across the country, both on the eve and the day of the official proclamation of the presidential election results by the Constitutional Council. He said these acts resulted in the destruction of many public buildings, vehicles, shops as well as private properties were set ablaze and others were looted. He said during these attacks, some of the criminals lost their lives and several members of the security forces were injured.
While extending his deep sympathy to the bereaved family, and his compassion for the loss of loves, Minister Atanga Nji Paul affirmed that all these were as a result of candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary who proclaimed himself winner of the election in violation of the Electoral Code, and his incessant calls for rebellion. The MINAT Boss said, “…for organising illegals protests marked by loss of human lives and destruction of public and private property, candidate Issa Tchiroma shall be held accountable before the competent courts.” He added that media outlets promoting rebellion shall equally be held accountable for their actions before competent courts.
It should be recalled that the official results of the October 12, 2025 Presidential Elections were declared by the Constitutional Council on Monday, October 27, 2025 and incumbent President Paul Biya, candidate of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement, CPDM, emerged winner with 53.66%.
