Cameroon Opposition Figure to Face Court Action Concerning Electoral Turmoil, Government Says

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

Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has announced that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over accusations that he incited "aggressive electoral rallies".

At least 4 protesters have been killed during clashes between security forces and demonstrators since the electoral process on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya obtaining an eighth term in office.

The opposition leader insists that he emerged victorious, a assertion dismissed by the incumbent party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Forceful measures by police and security officers on protesters have worried the international community, with the United Nations, AU and European Union demanding restraint.

Official's Claims

Recently, Nji accused the opposition figure of planning what he referred to as "unlawful" demonstrations causing the fatalities, and also criticised him for announcing success in the electoral contest.

He added that the opposition leader's "accomplices responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also undergo judicial processes.

Election Results

Paul Biya, who took control in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, won the October 12 presidential election with 53.7% of the votes, compared to just over a third for his opponent, according to the electoral authority.

Opposition Response

Issa Tchiroma is has not yet commented to the official announcement to prosecute him, but he had earlier stated that he would not accept a fraudulent outcome - and that he was not afraid of being detained.

On election result day, he said that security forces shot on demonstrators present near his residence in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 civilians.

Probe Revealed

Earlier this week, the government official revealed that an investigation would be started into violent incidents surrounding the publication of the election results.

"Throughout the violence, some of the criminals were killed," he stated, without providing a exact count of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the confrontations.

Nji further mentioned that multiple personnel of the security forces also suffered significant wounds.

Current Situation

While the interior minister insisted the situation across the country was now manageable, demonstrators remain active in some parts of the nation, especially in these two cities, where protesters mounted barricades on Tuesday, and burnt tyres on the thoroughfares.

Analysts alert that the post-electoral violence could lead the country into a political crisis.

Phillip Le
Phillip Le

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