Cameroon Political Opposition Leader Faces Court Action Regarding Post-Election Violence, Authorities Announces

Election Protest in Cameroon
Numerous in Cameroon are furious that Paul Biya has won an eighth term

Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has declared that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he instigated "violent electoral rallies".

At least four demonstrators have been killed during confrontations between security forces and demonstrators since the electoral process on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth term in office.

Tchiroma Bakary insists that he was the true winner, a statement dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.

Forceful measures by law enforcement on protesters have alarmed the global community, with the United Nations, AU and EU calling for caution.

Minister's Allegations

Recently, Nji alleged the opposition figure of planning what he labeled "unauthorized" rallies causing the loss of lives, and also rebuked him for claiming win in the electoral contest.

He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.

Vote Outcome

Paul Biya, who took control in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, obtained the October 12 election with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Leader's Stance

Issa Tchiroma is has not yet commented to the authorities' move to bring him to court, but he had before announced that he refused to acknowledge a fraudulent outcome - and that he was not afraid of being taken into custody.

Following the vote count, he said that security forces shot on demonstrators present near his home in Garoua, killing at least two people.

Probe Revealed

Earlier this week, the government official announced that an probe would be initiated into violent incidents before and after the publication of the poll figures.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the individuals involved died," he commented, without giving a specific number of protesters who have been killed in the incidents.

The minister added that a number of officers of the security forces also suffered serious injuries.

Present Conditions

Although the interior minister asserted the condition nationwide was now manageable, protesters are still demonstrating in certain regions of the nation, especially in urban centers, where protesters established roadblocks on that day, and ignited rubber on the thoroughfares.

Observers caution that the election-related unrest could plunge the nation into a political crisis.

Margaret Brown
Margaret Brown

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