Cameroon Political Opposition Figure Faces Legal Action Concerning Election Unrest, Government Says

Election Protest in Cameroon
Numerous in Cameroon are furious over the fact that the president has secured an eighth term

Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has announced that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over accusations that he incited "violent electoral rallies".

No fewer than four demonstrators have been lost their lives during skirmishes between security forces and protesters since the presidential election on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya securing an eighth term in office.

Tchiroma Bakary insists that he was the true winner, a assertion disputed by the governing party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Aggressive responses by police and security officers on protesters have worried the world leaders, with the UN, African Union and European Union urging moderation.

Official's Accusations

Earlier this week, Nji charged the opposition figure of planning what he described as "illegal" demonstrations resulting in the loss of lives, and also condemned him for claiming win in the election.

He noted that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators behind an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.

Vote Outcome

The president, who came to power in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, secured the 12 October presidential election with over half of the vote, compared to 35.2% for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.

Leader's Stance

Issa Tchiroma is has not yet commented to the authorities' move to prosecute him, but he had previously stated that he rejected a rigged election - and that he was fearless of being detained.

On election result day, he said that gunmen shot on protesters assembled near his house in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 civilians.

Investigation Launched

Recently, the interior minister disclosed that an investigation would be initiated into clashes prior to and following the announcement of the election results.

"During these attacks, some of the criminals were killed," he commented, without giving a exact count of demonstrators who have been killed in the confrontations.

Nji added that several members of the law enforcement also received significant wounds.

Present Conditions

Although the interior minister maintained the condition across the country was now under control, demonstrators continue to protest in some parts of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters mounted obstructions on Tuesday, and burnt tires on the roads.

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

Daniel Carter
Daniel Carter

Rafael is a passionate gamer and tech enthusiast based in Lisbon, sharing insights on the evolving console gaming scene in Portugal.