🔗 Share this article

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

No fewer than 4 protesters have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between law enforcement and opposition supporters since the presidential election on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.

The opposition leader maintains that he was the true winner, a statement disputed by the governing party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Forceful measures by security personnel on protesters have concerned the world leaders, with the United Nations, AU and EU demanding caution.

Official's Allegations

On Tuesday, the interior minister alleged Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he described as "illegal" protests causing the deaths, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the presidential race.

He further stated that the opposition leader's "associates 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 world's oldest head of state, won the 12 October presidential election with a majority of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for Tchiroma Bakary, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Opposition Response

The opposition figure is remains silent to the government's decision to try him, but he had before declared that he rejected a fraudulent outcome - and that he was undaunted of being detained.

On election result day, he claimed that armed men opened fire on demonstrators present near his home in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least two civilians.

Probe Revealed

On Tuesday, the interior minister revealed that an investigation would be initiated into violent incidents surrounding the publication of the poll figures.

"Throughout the violence, some of the perpetrators died," he commented, without offering a specific number of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the incidents.

The minister noted that multiple personnel of the security forces also suffered serious injuries.

Present Conditions

Although Nji asserted the situation throughout Cameroon was now stable, protesters remain active in various areas of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators set up barricades on that day, and burnt tyres on the thoroughfares.

Observers caution that the post-electoral violence could plunge the country into a leadership vacuum.