Cameroon Political Opposition Figure to Face Legal Proceedings Regarding Electoral Turmoil, Authorities Says

Political Protest in Cameroon
Numerous in Cameroon express anger over the fact that the president has secured an eighth presidential term

The nation's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has announced that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over accusations that he provoked "violent post-election demonstrations".

A minimum of four demonstrators have been lost their lives during confrontations between security forces and protesters since the presidential election on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya winning an eighth term in office.

Tchiroma Bakary insists that he emerged victorious, a claim disputed by the governing party, the ruling CPDM.

Forceful measures by law enforcement on demonstrators have worried the world leaders, with the United Nations, AU and European Union calling for moderation.

Minister's Claims

On Tuesday, Nji charged the opposition figure of organising what he described as "illegal" rallies resulting in the deaths, and also criticised him for declaring victory in the presidential race.

He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices behind an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action.

Election Results

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 a majority of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for the challenger, according to the electoral authority.

Challenger's Position

The opposition figure is remains silent to the official announcement to prosecute him, but he had previously announced that he would not accept a rigged election - and that he was fearless of being arrested.

When results were announced, he claimed that security forces shot on protesters gathered near his residence in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least two civilians.

Investigation Launched

On Tuesday, the interior minister disclosed that an inquiry would be started into violent incidents prior to and following the declaration of the vote outcome.

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

The minister further mentioned that a number of officers of the security forces also suffered major harm.

Current Situation

While the interior minister insisted the state of affairs nationwide was now manageable, demonstrators are still demonstrating in certain regions of the nation, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators established obstructions on Tuesday, and set fire to rubber on the thoroughfares.

Observers warn that the political turmoil could lead the nation into a leadership vacuum.

Christina Walton
Christina Walton

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