Cameroon Opposition Figure Faces Court Action Concerning Post-Election Violence, Authorities Declares

Political Protest in Cameroon
Many in Cameroon are furious that Paul Biya has won an eighth presidential term

The nation's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has declared that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over accusations that he provoked "violent election protests".

At least four protesters have been lost their lives during clashes between police and military and protesters since the electoral process on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth consecutive term.

The opposition leader maintains that he won the election, a assertion rejected by the governing party, the CPDM.

Forceful measures by police and security officers on demonstrators have concerned the international community, with the UN, AU and EU demanding caution.

Minister's Allegations

On Tuesday, the interior minister alleged Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he described as "unlawful" protests resulting in the fatalities, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the electoral contest.

He added that the opposition leader's "associates behind an insurrectionary plan" will also be prosecuted.

Vote Outcome

Cameroon's leader, who took control in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the 12 October vote with 53.7% of the votes, compared to 35.2% for the challenger, according to the electoral authority.

Challenger's Position

Tchiroma Bakary is yet to respond to the government's decision to try him, but he had before announced that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being arrested.

When results were announced, he said that armed men opened fire on protesters assembled near his house in Garoua, killing at least 2 people.

Inquiry Announced

Earlier this week, the interior minister disclosed that an inquiry would be started into unrest before and after the declaration of the poll figures.

"Throughout the violence, some of the perpetrators lost their lives," he commented, without providing a exact count of protesters who have been fatally injured in the clashes.

The minister further mentioned that a number of personnel of the police and military also received major harm.

Ongoing Circumstances

While Nji asserted the situation throughout Cameroon was now stable, protesters remain active in various areas of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators set up barricades on that day, and ignited tyres on the thoroughfares.

Experts warn that the election-related unrest could push the country into a governmental instability.

Ricky Daniels
Ricky Daniels

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