Cameroonian Political Opposition Leader Confronts Court Action Regarding Post-Election Violence, Authorities Says

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

Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has declared that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over claims that he instigated "violent post-election demonstrations".

No fewer than four demonstrators have been lost their lives during skirmishes between law enforcement and protesters since the presidential election on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.

Issa Tchiroma insists that he emerged victorious, a claim disputed by the governing party, the ruling CPDM.

Violent crackdowns by police and security officers on demonstrators have worried the global community, with the UN, AU and European Union urging caution.

Official's Accusations

Earlier this week, Nji alleged the opposition figure of organising what he described as "unauthorized" demonstrations resulting in the deaths, and also criticised him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.

He noted that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators involved in an subversive plot" will also be prosecuted.

Election Results

The president, who came to power in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, obtained the October 12 vote with over half of the vote, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to the electoral authority.

Leader's Stance

The opposition figure is yet to respond to the official announcement to try him, but he had before stated that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.

When results were announced, he claimed that gunmen shot on demonstrators present near his house in Garoua, fatally wounding at least two individuals.

Inquiry Announced

Earlier this week, the interior minister revealed that an investigation would be started into unrest before and after the announcement of the election results.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals died," he commented, without providing a exact count of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the confrontations.

Nji added that a number of members of the security forces also suffered major harm.

Present Conditions

Although Nji insisted the situation across the country was now manageable, protesters continue to protest in various areas of the nation, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators set up obstructions on Tuesday, and ignited rubber on the streets.

Experts caution that the political turmoil could push the nation into a leadership vacuum.

Jeffrey Carpenter
Jeffrey Carpenter

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