Cameroonian Opposition Leader Faces Legal Action Regarding Election Unrest, Authorities Declares

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

The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has declared that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he incited "aggressive electoral rallies".

At least four demonstrators have been killed during skirmishes between security forces and demonstrators since the presidential election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth term in office.

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

Aggressive responses by security personnel on protesters have concerned the global community, with the United Nations, AU and EU demanding restraint.

Minister's Accusations

On Tuesday, the interior minister charged the opposition figure of coordinating what he labeled "unauthorized" protests leading to the deaths, and also condemned him for claiming win in the electoral contest.

He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.

Vote Outcome

Cameroon's leader, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the October 12 vote with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to 35.2% for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.

Opposition Response

Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the authorities' move to bring him to court, but he had previously declared that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was undaunted of being taken into custody.

When results were announced, he said that security forces used lethal force on demonstrators present near his residence in the city of Garoua, killing at least two people.

Inquiry Announced

On Tuesday, the government official revealed that an inquiry would be launched into clashes before and after the declaration of the poll figures.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals were killed," he commented, without offering a specific number of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the clashes.

The minister noted that a number of personnel of the police and military also suffered significant wounds.

Ongoing Circumstances

Even though the interior minister insisted the situation across the country was now manageable, demonstrators are still demonstrating in some parts of the country, especially in urban centers, where protesters set up barricades on Tuesday, and set fire to rubber on the roads.

Experts caution that the post-electoral violence could push the nation into a leadership vacuum.

Natalie Jackson DDS
Natalie Jackson DDS

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