Cameroon Political Opposition Leader to Face Legal Action Regarding Election Unrest, Authorities Declares

Political Demonstration in Cameroon
Numerous in Cameroon show outrage over the fact that Paul Biya has won an eighth presidential term

The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has declared that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over allegations that he instigated "aggressive electoral rallies".

No fewer than 4 protesters have been lost their lives during confrontations between law enforcement and demonstrators since the presidential election on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 securing an eighth term in office.

The opposition leader insists that he was the true winner, a claim rejected by the governing party, the CPDM.

Violent crackdowns by law enforcement on protesters have worried the international community, with the United Nations, AU and EU urging moderation.

Minister's Allegations

On Tuesday, the interior minister alleged Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he described as "unauthorized" demonstrations causing the deaths, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the electoral contest.

He added that the opposition leader's "accomplices responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.

Election Results

The president, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, obtained the 12 October presidential election with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for his opponent, according to the electoral authority.

Leader's Stance

Issa Tchiroma is yet to respond to the authorities' move to bring him to court, but he had earlier stated that he rejected a rigged election - and that he was not afraid of being arrested.

On election result day, he claimed that armed men shot on demonstrators present near his home in Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 civilians.

Probe Announced

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

"Throughout the violence, some of the criminals died," he stated, without offering a precise figure of protesters who have been lost their lives in the clashes.

Nji noted that multiple members of the police and military also received serious injuries.

Current Situation

While the interior minister maintained the condition throughout Cameroon was now stable, protesters are still demonstrating in various areas of the nation, especially in these two cities, where protesters mounted obstructions on that day, and set fire to rubber on the thoroughfares.

Observers caution that the post-electoral violence could plunge the nation into a governmental instability.

Jeanette Morrison
Jeanette Morrison

A passionate gamer and tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in reviewing and analyzing the latest video games and gaming hardware.