Cameroonian Opposition Figure to Face Court Action Regarding Electoral Turmoil, Government Says

Election Demonstration in Cameroon
Many in Cameroon express anger that the president has won an eighth consecutive term

Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has declared that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over claims that he instigated "aggressive post-election demonstrations".

A minimum of 4 demonstrators have been lost their lives during clashes between security forces and protesters since Cameroon's election on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth term in office.

The opposition leader asserts that he was the true winner, a statement dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.

Aggressive responses by law enforcement on demonstrators have concerned the global community, with the UN, AU and EU urging moderation.

Minister's Allegations

Recently, the interior minister accused the opposition figure of planning what he described as "unlawful" demonstrations resulting in the loss of lives, and also criticised him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.

He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also undergo judicial processes.

Election Results

Paul Biya, who took control in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, secured the 12 October vote with 53.7% of the votes, compared to just over a third for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.

Opposition Response

Tchiroma Bakary is remains silent to the official announcement to bring him to court, but he had earlier announced that he rejected a stolen vote - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.

Following the vote count, he reported that gunmen used lethal force on protesters present near his house in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least two individuals.

Probe Launched

On Tuesday, the interior minister disclosed that an probe would be initiated into violent incidents prior to and following the declaration of the election results.

"During these attacks, some of the perpetrators died," he commented, without providing a specific number of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the confrontations.

The minister noted that a number of members of the law enforcement also received major harm.

Present Conditions

Even though the interior minister maintained the condition across the country was now stable, demonstrators are still demonstrating in some parts of the nation, especially in urban centers, where protesters set up obstructions on that day, and set fire to tyres on the roads.

Experts caution that the post-electoral violence could lead the country into a political crisis.

Lisa Mccarthy
Lisa Mccarthy

A seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering casino trends and slot machine strategies.