Cameroonian Political Opposition Leader Faces Legal Action Regarding Election Unrest, Government Declares

Election Protest in Cameroon
Numerous in Cameroon express anger that the president has won an eighth consecutive term

The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has stated that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over accusations that he incited "aggressive electoral rallies".

At least 4 demonstrators have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between security forces and protesters since the presidential election on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 winning an eighth consecutive term.

Issa Tchiroma maintains that he won the election, a assertion dismissed by the incumbent party, the CPDM.

Aggressive responses by police and security officers on demonstrators have alarmed the world leaders, with the United Nations, AU and EU demanding moderation.

Minister's Allegations

On Tuesday, Nji charged Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he described as "illegal" protests leading to the loss of lives, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.

He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators involved in an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.

Poll Figures

Cameroon's leader, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, secured the October 12 election with a majority of the votes, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to the electoral authority.

Challenger's Position

Issa Tchiroma is yet to respond to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had previously declared that he refused to acknowledge a rigged election - and that he was fearless of being taken into custody.

When results were announced, he reported that security forces used lethal force on demonstrators assembled near his residence in Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 people.

Inquiry Launched

Recently, the government official announced that an inquiry would be launched into violent incidents prior to and following the declaration of the poll figures.

"During these attacks, some of the individuals involved died," he stated, without giving a precise figure of demonstrators who have been killed in the clashes.

Nji further mentioned that a number of officers of the security forces also suffered significant wounds.

Present Conditions

While the interior minister asserted the condition across the country was now under control, protesters continue to protest in various areas of the country, especially in urban centers, where protesters mounted roadblocks on that day, and ignited tyres on the streets.

Analysts caution that the political turmoil could push the country into a political crisis.

Sandra Lowe
Sandra Lowe

An environmental scientist and avid hiker who shares practical guides on eco-friendly living and wilderness exploration.