Cameroon Opposition Figure Confronts Court Action Over Election Unrest, Government Announces

Political Demonstration in Cameroon
Many in Cameroon are furious over the fact that Paul Biya has won an eighth term

The nation's Interior Minister the interior minister has stated that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over claims that he incited "aggressive election protests".

No fewer than 4 protesters have been killed during confrontations between security forces and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.

The opposition leader maintains 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 protesters have worried the world leaders, with the UN, African Union and EU demanding restraint.

Official's Accusations

Earlier this week, Nji alleged Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he referred to as "unauthorized" rallies causing the fatalities, and also rebuked him for claiming win in the presidential race.

He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.

Vote Outcome

Paul Biya, who came to power in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, secured the 12 October election with 53.7% of the votes, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Challenger's Position

Tchiroma Bakary is has not yet commented to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had earlier declared that he refused to acknowledge a rigged election - and that he was fearless of being taken into custody.

On election result day, he claimed that security forces used lethal force on protesters assembled near his residence in Garoua, causing the death of at least two people.

Probe Revealed

Earlier this week, the government official revealed that an inquiry would be launched into clashes before and after the declaration of the election results.

"Throughout the violence, some of the perpetrators died," he said, without offering a precise figure of protesters who have been fatally injured in the confrontations.

Nji added that a number of officers of the law enforcement also sustained major harm.

Present Conditions

While Nji insisted the condition across the country was now stable, demonstrators are still demonstrating in various areas of the country, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators established obstructions on Tuesday, and ignited tires on the roads.

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

Ronnie Lyons
Ronnie Lyons

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in casino strategy and player psychology.