Cameroonian Political Opposition Figure Faces Legal Proceedings Regarding Post-Election Violence, Authorities Announces

Election Demonstration in Cameroon
Numerous in Cameroon are furious over the fact that the president has secured an eighth presidential term

The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has stated that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over accusations that he provoked "violent election protests".

At least 4 protesters have been fatally wounded during clashes between law enforcement and protesters since the presidential election on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth consecutive term.

Tchiroma Bakary insists that he emerged victorious, a assertion dismissed by the incumbent party, the CPDM.

Forceful measures by police and security officers on demonstrators have worried the international community, with the UN, AU and European Union calling for caution.

Minister's Allegations

On Tuesday, the interior minister charged Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he described as "unlawful" protests causing the fatalities, and also rebuked him for claiming win in the election.

He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.

Vote Outcome

Cameroon's leader, who took control in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, won the October 12 presidential election with a majority of the vote, compared to a significant minority for his opponent, according to the constitutional court.

Opposition Response

The opposition figure is remains silent to the official announcement to try him, but he had earlier stated that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being arrested.

On election result day, he said that armed men used lethal force on demonstrators gathered near his house in Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 civilians.

Probe Launched

Recently, the interior minister announced that an probe would be launched into unrest prior to and following the declaration of the election results.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the perpetrators died," he commented, without offering a specific number of protesters who have been fatally injured in the clashes.

The minister further mentioned that a number of personnel of the police and military also suffered serious injuries.

Current Situation

While Nji insisted the situation across the country was now stable, demonstrators are still demonstrating in some parts of the country, especially in these two cities, where protesters set up barricades on Tuesday, and burnt tires on the streets.

Analysts caution that the political turmoil could plunge the country into a leadership vacuum.

Jesse Bennett
Jesse Bennett

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