Cameroonian Political Opposition Leader Faces Legal Proceedings Regarding Electoral Turmoil, Government Says

Election Protest in Cameroon
Numerous in Cameroon express anger over the fact that Paul Biya has won an eighth presidential term

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

A minimum of four demonstrators have been lost their lives during confrontations between law enforcement and opposition supporters since the presidential election on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 winning an eighth presidential mandate.

Issa Tchiroma asserts that he was the true winner, a statement rejected by the governing party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Forceful measures by security personnel on protesters have worried the global community, with the United Nations, African Union and EU calling for moderation.

Official's Accusations

Earlier this week, Nji charged Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he labeled "illegal" rallies resulting in the loss of lives, and also criticised him for announcing success in the election.

He further stated that the opposition leader's "accomplices responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.

Election Results

The president, who came to power in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, obtained the 12 October election with over half of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the constitutional court.

Opposition Response

The opposition figure is yet to respond to the authorities' move to prosecute him, but he had previously declared that he would not accept a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being detained.

On election result day, he reported that security forces shot on protesters assembled near his residence in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least two people.

Probe Announced

Earlier this week, the government official disclosed that an probe would be launched into unrest before and after the declaration of the election results.

"Throughout the violence, some of the individuals involved died," he stated, without providing a specific number of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the incidents.

The minister added that several members of the police and military also suffered major harm.

Current Situation

Although Nji insisted the condition across the country was now under control, demonstrators are still demonstrating in various areas of the country, especially in these two cities, where protesters established roadblocks on that day, and burnt tires on the thoroughfares.

Experts warn that the election-related unrest could plunge the nation into a governmental instability.

Meagan Lowe
Meagan Lowe

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