Cameroonian Opposition Figure Confronts Legal Action Concerning Electoral Turmoil, Government Says

Election Protest in Cameroon
Numerous in Cameroon express anger over the fact that Paul Biya has won an eighth term

The nation's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has stated that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over allegations that he instigated "violent post-election demonstrations".

A minimum of 4 demonstrators have been killed during confrontations between security forces and protesters since Cameroon's election on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 winning an eighth term in office.

Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he won the election, a assertion dismissed by the incumbent party, the CPDM.

Violent crackdowns by law enforcement on demonstrators have concerned the global community, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union urging moderation.

Official's Accusations

Earlier this week, the interior minister alleged the opposition figure of planning what he referred to as "unauthorized" rallies resulting in the fatalities, and also condemned him for claiming win in the election.

He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices behind an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.

Election Results

Cameroon's leader, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, secured the October 12 election with 53.7% of the vote, compared to just over a third for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the constitutional court.

Challenger's Position

The opposition figure is yet to respond to the official announcement to prosecute him, but he had before announced that he refused to acknowledge a rigged election - and that he was not afraid of being arrested.

On election result day, he reported that gunmen used lethal force on protesters gathered near his residence in Garoua, fatally wounding at least two people.

Probe Launched

On Tuesday, the government official announced that an inquiry would be initiated into violent incidents prior to and following the announcement of the vote outcome.

"During these attacks, some of the perpetrators lost their lives," he commented, without giving a exact count of protesters who have been killed in the incidents.

The minister further mentioned that multiple personnel of the law enforcement also suffered significant wounds.

Ongoing Circumstances

Even though Nji maintained the situation across the country was now stable, demonstrators remain active in some parts of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters mounted roadblocks on Tuesday, and set fire to tyres on the streets.

Observers warn that the post-electoral violence could lead the country into a political crisis.

Tina Small
Tina Small

A geospatial analyst and cartography enthusiast with over a decade of experience in digital mapping and GIS applications.