Cameroonian Political Opposition Leader to Face Legal Action Regarding Electoral Turmoil, Government Says

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

At least 4 demonstrators have been fatally wounded during clashes between police and military and demonstrators since the electoral process on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.

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

Aggressive responses by police and security officers on protesters have worried the international community, with the United Nations, AU and European Union calling for caution.

Official's Accusations

Recently, Nji alleged the opposition figure of coordinating what he referred to as "illegal" demonstrations resulting in the fatalities, and also criticised him for declaring victory in the presidential race.

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

Poll Figures

Cameroon's leader, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, won the October 12 election with 53.7% of the votes, compared to a significant minority for the challenger, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Challenger's Position

Issa Tchiroma is has not yet commented to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had previously announced that he refused to acknowledge a fraudulent outcome - and that he was fearless of being arrested.

When results were announced, he reported that gunmen opened fire on protesters gathered near his residence in Garoua, fatally wounding at least two individuals.

Probe Announced

On Tuesday, the interior minister announced that an inquiry would be started into unrest surrounding the publication of the vote outcome.

"During these attacks, some of the individuals involved were killed," he said, without offering a exact count of protesters who have been killed in the incidents.

The minister noted that a number of personnel of the police and military also received significant wounds.

Ongoing Circumstances

While the interior minister maintained the state of affairs across the country was now under control, protesters are still demonstrating in certain regions of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters set up obstructions on that day, and ignited tyres on the thoroughfares.

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