Cameroonian Political Opposition Figure to Face Legal Action Concerning Post-Election Violence, Government Announces

Election Protest in Cameroon
Many in Cameroon are furious over the fact that Paul Biya has secured an eighth term

The nation's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has stated that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he incited "violent election protests".

No fewer than four demonstrators have been killed during clashes between security forces and demonstrators since the electoral process on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya winning an eighth consecutive term.

Tchiroma Bakary insists that he emerged victorious, a assertion disputed by the incumbent party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Aggressive responses by police and security officers on demonstrators have concerned the international community, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union demanding caution.

Minister's Claims

Earlier this week, Nji alleged Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he referred to as "illegal" demonstrations causing the loss of lives, and also condemned him for claiming win in the presidential race.

He noted that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also undergo judicial processes.

Vote Outcome

The president, who took control in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the 12 October vote with over half of the ballots, compared to 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Leader's Stance

Tchiroma Bakary is yet to respond to the government's decision to try him, but he had earlier declared that he rejected a rigged election - and that he was fearless of being taken into custody.

On election result day, he said that gunmen opened fire on protesters present near his home in Garoua, fatally wounding at least two individuals.

Investigation Revealed

Earlier this week, the interior minister disclosed that an investigation would be started into violent incidents surrounding the announcement of the poll figures.

"During these attacks, some of the criminals lost their lives," he commented, without giving a exact count of protesters who have been killed in the confrontations.

The minister added that a number of officers of the police and military also suffered serious injuries.

Current Situation

While Nji asserted the condition throughout Cameroon was now stable, protesters remain active in certain regions of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators mounted barricades on Tuesday, and set fire to tires on the roads.

Analysts warn that the post-electoral violence could push the country into a governmental instability.

James Haynes
James Haynes

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