Cameroon Political Opposition Figure to Face Court Action Over Election Unrest, Authorities Says

Election Protest in Cameroon
Numerous in Cameroon show outrage that the president has secured an eighth presidential term

Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has stated that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he instigated "aggressive post-election demonstrations".

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

Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he was the true winner, a claim disputed by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.

Aggressive responses by security personnel on protesters have alarmed the world leaders, with the United Nations, AU and European Union urging caution.

Official's Allegations

Earlier this week, the interior minister accused Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he described as "unlawful" demonstrations causing the fatalities, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the election.

He further stated that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators behind an subversive plot" will also be prosecuted.

Election Results

Cameroon's leader, who took control in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, won the October 12 election with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to 35.2% for his opponent, according to the constitutional court.

Challenger's Position

Tchiroma Bakary is remains silent to the authorities' move to prosecute him, but he had earlier stated that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.

When results were announced, he claimed that gunmen opened fire on demonstrators present near his residence in Garoua, fatally wounding at least two individuals.

Investigation Revealed

Earlier this week, the interior minister revealed that an inquiry would be started into violent incidents before and after the announcement of the vote outcome.

"During these attacks, some of the criminals died," he said, without giving a specific number of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the incidents.

The minister added that several personnel of the police and military also sustained serious injuries.

Ongoing Circumstances

Although the interior minister maintained the state of affairs throughout Cameroon was now manageable, protesters are still demonstrating in various areas of the country, especially in urban centers, where protesters established barricades on that day, and set fire to tyres on the roads.

Experts caution that the political turmoil could plunge the country into a political crisis.

Douglas Castro
Douglas Castro

A passionate gamer and tech writer with over a decade of experience in creating detailed guides and reviews.