Cameroonian Political Opposition Leader Faces Legal Proceedings Over Electoral Turmoil, Government Declares

Political Demonstration in Cameroon
Numerous in Cameroon are furious over the fact that the president has won an eighth presidential term

Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has stated that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over accusations that he provoked "violent electoral rallies".

A minimum of four protesters have been fatally wounded during clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators since Cameroon's election on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth term in office.

Issa Tchiroma insists that he emerged victorious, a statement disputed by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Forceful measures by law enforcement on demonstrators have alarmed the international community, with the UN, AU and EU calling for moderation.

Official's Claims

On Tuesday, the interior minister accused Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he referred to as "illegal" demonstrations resulting in the deaths, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the electoral contest.

He added that the opposition leader's "associates behind an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.

Vote Outcome

Paul Biya, who took control in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, obtained the 12 October presidential election with a majority of the votes, compared to just over a third for his opponent, according to the electoral authority.

Challenger's Position

The opposition figure is remains silent to the official announcement to try him, but he had before announced that he would not accept a rigged election - and that he was not afraid of being arrested.

When results were announced, he claimed that gunmen used lethal force on protesters assembled near his home in Garoua, causing the death of at least two people.

Probe Announced

Recently, the government official revealed that an inquiry would be initiated into clashes prior to and following the publication of the vote outcome.

"During these attacks, some of the criminals died," he said, without giving a precise figure of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the incidents.

Nji further mentioned that a number of officers of the security forces also suffered significant wounds.

Present Conditions

Although the interior minister maintained the situation nationwide was now stable, demonstrators continue to protest in certain regions of the country, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators set up roadblocks on Tuesday, and ignited rubber on the streets.

Observers warn that the post-electoral violence could plunge the nation into a political crisis.

Timothy Bowers
Timothy Bowers

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