Cameroon Opposition Figure Confronts Legal Proceedings Regarding Post-Election Violence, Government Says

Political Protest in Cameroon
Many in Cameroon show outrage over the fact that Paul Biya has secured an eighth term

Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has announced that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he provoked "violent post-election demonstrations".

At least four demonstrators have been killed during confrontations between security forces and demonstrators since Cameroon's election on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya securing an eighth presidential mandate.

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

Forceful measures by law enforcement on protesters have worried the global community, with the UN, AU and European Union calling for restraint.

Minister's Allegations

Recently, the interior minister charged Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he labeled "illegal" rallies causing the fatalities, and also condemned him for announcing success in the electoral contest.

He noted that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also face legal action.

Poll Figures

Paul Biya, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, won the October 12 election with over half of the vote, compared to a significant minority for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the constitutional court.

Challenger's Position

Tchiroma Bakary is has not yet commented to the official announcement to prosecute him, but he had before stated that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being detained.

On election result day, he claimed that security forces opened fire on protesters present near his house in the city of Garoua, killing at least two individuals.

Inquiry Launched

On Tuesday, the government official disclosed that an probe would be started into violent incidents surrounding the publication of the vote outcome.

"Throughout the violence, some of the perpetrators were killed," he stated, without giving a specific number of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the confrontations.

Nji further mentioned that several personnel of the police and military also suffered serious injuries.

Present Conditions

Even though Nji asserted the situation across the country was now stable, demonstrators continue to protest in certain regions of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators established barricades on that day, and set fire to tyres on the thoroughfares.

Experts caution that the election-related unrest could lead the country into a political crisis.

Ryan Reed
Ryan Reed

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