Cameroon Political Opposition Leader Confronts Legal Proceedings Concerning Electoral Turmoil, Government Says

Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has announced that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over accusations that he incited "violent election protests".

A minimum of 4 demonstrators have been killed during skirmishes between security forces and demonstrators since the electoral process on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 securing an eighth presidential mandate.

The opposition leader insists that he was the true winner, a assertion rejected by Biya's ruling party, the ruling CPDM.

Forceful measures by police and security officers on demonstrators have alarmed the world leaders, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union urging moderation.

Minister's Accusations

Earlier this week, Nji charged the opposition figure of coordinating what he labeled "unauthorized" rallies leading to the deaths, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the election.

He noted that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.

Election Results

Cameroon's leader, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, secured the October 12 vote with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for Tchiroma Bakary, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Challenger's Position

Tchiroma Bakary is yet to respond to the government's decision to prosecute him, but he had earlier stated that he would not accept a fraudulent outcome - and that he was not afraid of being detained.

Following the vote count, he claimed that gunmen opened fire on protesters present near his residence in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least two individuals.

Inquiry Revealed

Recently, the government official disclosed that an probe would be started into violent incidents prior to and following the declaration of the election results.

"Throughout the violence, some of the perpetrators died," he said, without giving a precise figure of protesters who have been lost their lives in the confrontations.

Nji further mentioned that multiple officers of the law enforcement also suffered serious injuries.

Current Situation

While the interior minister insisted the situation nationwide was now manageable, demonstrators remain active in various areas of the country, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators established roadblocks on that day, and set fire to tyres on the streets.

Experts alert that the election-related unrest could lead the country into a political crisis.