Cameroon Political Opposition Leader to Face Legal Action Regarding Post-Election Violence, Government Says

Political Demonstration in Cameroon
Numerous in Cameroon are furious over the fact that the president has secured an eighth consecutive term

Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has declared that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over claims that he provoked "aggressive electoral rallies".

At least four protesters have been lost their lives during skirmishes between police and military and demonstrators since the presidential election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state securing an eighth term in office.

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

Forceful measures by law enforcement on protesters have worried the international community, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union calling for moderation.

Minister's Allegations

Recently, the interior minister alleged the opposition figure of organising what he labeled "illegal" protests leading to the deaths, and also condemned him for announcing success in the electoral contest.

He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators behind an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action.

Election Results

Cameroon's leader, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the October 12 presidential election with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for the challenger, according to the electoral authority.

Opposition Response

Tchiroma Bakary is yet to respond to the government's decision to try him, but he had before declared that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being detained.

When results were announced, he claimed that armed men opened fire on demonstrators present near his house in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 civilians.

Inquiry Revealed

Earlier this week, the interior minister revealed that an investigation would be started into violent incidents prior to and following the announcement of the poll figures.

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

Nji noted that several officers of the security forces also sustained significant wounds.

Current Situation

Although Nji insisted the condition throughout Cameroon was now under control, demonstrators are still demonstrating in certain regions of the nation, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators mounted roadblocks on Tuesday, and set fire to rubber on the roads.

Observers alert that the political turmoil could push the nation into a governmental instability.

Adam Case
Adam Case

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