Cameroon Opposition Leader Faces Legal Proceedings Regarding Post-Election Violence, Authorities Declares

The nation's Interior Minister the interior minister has stated that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he provoked "aggressive electoral rallies".

No fewer than four protesters have been killed during confrontations between security forces and opposition supporters since the presidential election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state obtaining an eighth consecutive term.

Tchiroma Bakary asserts that he emerged victorious, a statement disputed by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Forceful measures by police and security officers on protesters have alarmed the world leaders, with the United Nations, African Union and EU demanding moderation.

Official's Accusations

Recently, Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he described as "illegal" protests causing the deaths, and also condemned him for announcing success in the electoral contest.

He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also face legal action.

Vote Outcome

The president, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, secured the October 12 election with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to just over a third for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.

Opposition Response

Tchiroma Bakary is has not yet commented to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had before declared that he refused to acknowledge a rigged election - and that he was fearless of being taken into custody.

When results were announced, he said that gunmen shot on protesters present near his home in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 individuals.

Investigation Launched

Recently, the government official announced that an investigation would be initiated into violent incidents prior to and following the publication of the election results.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals lost their lives," he said, without offering a specific number of protesters who have been killed in the confrontations.

The minister added that multiple personnel of the police and military also suffered major harm.

Current Situation

While the interior minister maintained the condition nationwide was now stable, demonstrators are still demonstrating in some parts of the country, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators set up obstructions on that day, and ignited rubber on the roads.

Observers warn that the political turmoil could lead the country into a governmental instability.