Cameroon Opposition Leader Confronts Legal Proceedings Over Election Unrest, Government Declares

Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has announced that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over allegations that he instigated "violent post-election demonstrations".

No fewer than 4 demonstrators have been fatally wounded during clashes between security forces and demonstrators since Cameroon's election on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state securing an eighth presidential mandate.

Tchiroma Bakary insists that he emerged victorious, a claim disputed by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.

Aggressive responses by security personnel on protesters have alarmed the international community, with the UN, AU and European Union calling for restraint.

Minister's Allegations

On Tuesday, the interior minister accused Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he labeled "unauthorized" demonstrations leading to the fatalities, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the electoral contest.

He further stated that the opposition leader's "accomplices responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also face legal action.

Poll Figures

Cameroon's leader, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, secured the October 12 presidential election with over half of the ballots, compared to 35.2% for his opponent, according to the electoral authority.

Opposition Response

The opposition figure is yet to respond to the authorities' move to bring him to court, but he had previously announced that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being arrested.

When results were announced, he claimed that security forces shot on protesters present near his home in Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 people.

Investigation Announced

Recently, the interior minister revealed that an inquiry would be initiated into violent incidents surrounding the announcement of the vote outcome.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals died," he stated, without giving a specific number of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the clashes.

The minister further mentioned that a number of personnel of the security forces also sustained serious injuries.

Ongoing Circumstances

Even though the interior minister asserted the condition nationwide was now manageable, demonstrators continue to protest in some parts of the nation, especially in urban centers, where protesters established barricades on Tuesday, and set fire to tires on the thoroughfares.

Observers alert that the election-related unrest could plunge the nation into a governmental instability.