Cameroon Opposition Leader Confronts Legal Proceedings Regarding Post-Election Violence, Authorities Declares

The nation's Interior Minister the interior minister has stated that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over accusations that he incited "violent post-election demonstrations".

A minimum of 4 protesters have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between law enforcement and protesters since the electoral process on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 securing an eighth presidential mandate.

Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he won the election, a claim disputed by the governing party, the ruling CPDM.

Forceful measures by police and security officers on protesters have worried the global community, with the UN, AU and European Union urging caution.

Minister's Allegations

On Tuesday, Nji alleged the opposition figure of organising what he described as "unauthorized" rallies resulting in the deaths, and also condemned him for announcing success in the presidential race.

He noted that the opposition leader's "associates involved in an subversive plot" will also be prosecuted.

Vote Outcome

Cameroon's leader, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, won the October 12 vote with 53.7% of the vote, compared to a significant minority for his opponent, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Opposition Response

The opposition figure is remains silent to the official announcement to prosecute him, but he had previously announced that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being detained.

Following the vote count, he reported that gunmen shot on demonstrators present near his residence in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least two individuals.

Investigation Launched

Earlier this week, the interior minister revealed that an inquiry would be started into unrest prior to and following the declaration of the election results.

"Throughout the violence, some of the individuals involved were killed," he said, without giving a specific number of protesters who have been killed in the clashes.

The minister further mentioned that multiple personnel of the security forces also suffered major harm.

Present Conditions

Although Nji maintained the state of affairs throughout Cameroon was now under control, protesters remain active in certain regions of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters set up roadblocks on that day, and burnt tires on the thoroughfares.

Observers warn that the political turmoil could plunge the nation into a political crisis.