Cameroonian Opposition Leader Faces Court Action Over Election Unrest, Government Declares

Political Protest in Cameroon
Numerous in Cameroon show outrage that Paul Biya has secured an eighth term

Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has declared that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he instigated "violent post-election demonstrations".

At least 4 demonstrators have been killed during skirmishes between police and military and opposition supporters since the electoral process on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya securing an eighth consecutive term.

The opposition leader asserts that he won the election, a statement rejected by the governing party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Violent crackdowns by police and security officers on protesters have alarmed the world leaders, with the UN, AU and European Union demanding caution.

Minister's Claims

Earlier this week, Nji alleged Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he described as "illegal" demonstrations causing the fatalities, and also criticised him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.

He noted that the opposition leader's "accomplices responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also be prosecuted.

Poll Figures

Paul Biya, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the 12 October election with over half of the votes, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to the electoral authority.

Opposition Response

Issa Tchiroma is yet to respond to the authorities' move to bring him to court, but he had earlier stated that he refused to acknowledge a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being detained.

When results were announced, he claimed that gunmen used lethal force on protesters gathered near his home in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least two civilians.

Inquiry Launched

On Tuesday, the government official revealed that an investigation would be initiated into violent incidents before and after the publication of the vote outcome.

"Throughout the violence, some of the criminals died," he commented, without providing a specific number of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the clashes.

Nji further mentioned that multiple officers of the security forces also received serious injuries.

Current Situation

While Nji asserted the condition across the country was now stable, protesters remain active in various areas of the nation, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators mounted barricades on Tuesday, and burnt rubber on the roads.

Analysts warn that the political turmoil could lead the nation into a political crisis.

Shelly Arias
Shelly Arias

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