Cameroonian Political Opposition Leader Confronts Legal Action Concerning Election Unrest, Government Declares

Political Protest in Cameroon
Many in Cameroon are furious that the president has won an eighth term

Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has announced that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he incited "aggressive post-election demonstrations".

No fewer than four demonstrators have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between law enforcement and protesters since the electoral process on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.

The opposition leader asserts that he won the election, a statement disputed by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.

Forceful measures by law enforcement on demonstrators have worried the global community, with the UN, AU and EU demanding caution.

Official's Accusations

On Tuesday, Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he labeled "illegal" demonstrations resulting in the deaths, and also criticised him for claiming win in the presidential race.

He added that the opposition leader's "accomplices involved in an subversive plot" will also undergo judicial processes.

Poll Figures

The president, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the 12 October presidential election with over half of the votes, compared to just over a third for his opponent, according to the constitutional court.

Leader's Stance

Issa Tchiroma is has not yet commented to the official announcement to prosecute him, but he had previously stated that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being taken into custody.

Following the vote count, he said that security forces used lethal force on protesters present near his residence in Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 people.

Probe Launched

Earlier this week, the interior minister revealed that an probe would be initiated into unrest surrounding the announcement of the election results.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the individuals involved died," he commented, without giving a specific number of protesters who have been lost their lives in the confrontations.

The minister further mentioned that multiple members of the police and military also received serious injuries.

Current Situation

While Nji asserted the condition across the country was now manageable, demonstrators continue to protest in some parts of the nation, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators established obstructions on Tuesday, and ignited tyres on the streets.

Experts alert that the post-electoral violence could push the nation into a governmental instability.

Elizabeth Stone
Elizabeth Stone

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