Cameroon Political Opposition Figure Confronts Legal Action Concerning Election Unrest, Government Declares

Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has stated that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over claims that he instigated "aggressive electoral rallies".

A minimum of four demonstrators have been killed during skirmishes between security forces and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 securing an eighth term in office.

The opposition leader maintains that he emerged victorious, a claim dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.

Aggressive responses by police and security officers on protesters have worried the global community, with the UN, AU and European Union demanding restraint.

Official's Claims

On Tuesday, Nji alleged Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he labeled "unauthorized" protests resulting in the loss of lives, and also criticised him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.

He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators responsible for an subversive plot" will also be prosecuted.

Poll Figures

Paul Biya, who took control in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, won the 12 October election with a majority of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for his opponent, according to the constitutional court.

Leader's Stance

The opposition figure is yet to respond to the authorities' move to prosecute him, but he had previously announced that he would not accept a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being taken into custody.

When results were announced, he claimed that security forces used lethal force on protesters present near his house in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least two individuals.

Investigation Launched

Recently, the interior minister revealed that an investigation would be started into unrest before and after the declaration of the poll figures.

"During these attacks, some of the perpetrators were killed," he said, without providing a specific number of demonstrators who have been killed in the confrontations.

Nji further mentioned that a number of officers of the security forces also suffered serious injuries.

Current Situation

While the interior minister asserted the state of affairs across the country was now manageable, protesters are still demonstrating in certain regions of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters set up roadblocks on Tuesday, and set fire to tires on the roads.

Observers warn that the election-related unrest could push the nation into a political crisis.