🔗 Share this article

The nation's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has announced that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over accusations that he provoked "aggressive election protests".

A minimum of four demonstrators have been killed during confrontations between law enforcement and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya winning an eighth presidential mandate.

Tchiroma Bakary insists that he was the true winner, a claim disputed by the governing party, the ruling CPDM.

Violent crackdowns by security personnel on protesters have alarmed the international community, with the United Nations, African Union and EU urging moderation.

Official's Allegations

On Tuesday, Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he referred to as "unauthorized" demonstrations resulting in the deaths, and also rebuked him for declaring victory in the election.

He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also undergo judicial processes.

Poll Figures

Cameroon's leader, who took control in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, won the 12 October vote with 53.7% of the vote, compared to a significant minority for his opponent, according to the constitutional court.

Challenger's Position

Tchiroma Bakary is has not yet commented to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had previously stated that he rejected a stolen vote - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.

When results were announced, he said that armed men used lethal force on demonstrators assembled near his residence in Garoua, killing at least 2 civilians.

Investigation Launched

Earlier this week, the government official disclosed that an investigation would be started into unrest surrounding the declaration of the poll figures.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals lost their lives," he commented, without offering a precise figure of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the incidents.

The minister noted that several officers of the law enforcement also sustained serious injuries.

Present Conditions

While Nji maintained the condition nationwide was now under control, protesters are still demonstrating in various areas of the nation, especially in urban centers, where protesters mounted obstructions on that day, and burnt tyres on the streets.

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