Cameroonian Political Opposition Figure Faces Legal Proceedings Concerning Election Unrest, Government Says

Political Protest in Cameroon
Many in Cameroon show outrage over the fact that the president has won an eighth term

Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has declared that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over accusations that he instigated "violent electoral rallies".

At least 4 demonstrators have been fatally wounded during clashes between police and military and protesters since the presidential election on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth presidential mandate.

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

Aggressive responses by security personnel on demonstrators have concerned the global community, with the United Nations, AU and European Union urging moderation.

Minister's Allegations

Earlier this week, the interior minister alleged Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he labeled "unauthorized" demonstrations leading to the fatalities, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.

He further stated that the opposition leader's "associates responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.

Vote Outcome

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

Challenger's Position

The opposition figure is remains silent to the government's decision to prosecute him, but he had before stated that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being arrested.

On election result day, he claimed that security forces used lethal force on protesters assembled near his house in Garoua, causing the death of at least two civilians.

Inquiry Revealed

On Tuesday, the interior minister revealed that an probe would be initiated into violent incidents prior to and following the publication of the election results.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals were killed," he commented, without offering a specific number of protesters who have been fatally injured in the clashes.

Nji further mentioned that a number of personnel of the police and military also sustained serious injuries.

Current Situation

Even though the interior minister asserted the state of affairs across the country was now under control, protesters continue to protest in some parts of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters set up barricades on that day, and set fire to tyres on the roads.

Observers alert that the political turmoil could lead the country into a leadership vacuum.

Dale Morton
Dale Morton

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