🔗 Share this article

The nation's Interior Minister the interior minister has stated that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over allegations that he provoked "aggressive election protests".

At least 4 demonstrators have been killed during confrontations between law enforcement and opposition supporters since the presidential election on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 winning an eighth consecutive term.

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

Violent crackdowns by security personnel on demonstrators have worried the international community, with the UN, African Union and European Union demanding moderation.

Official's Accusations

Earlier this week, Nji charged Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he labeled "unauthorized" protests resulting in the deaths, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the presidential race.

He noted that the opposition leader's "accomplices involved in an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.

Election Results

Cameroon's leader, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the 12 October election with a majority of the vote, compared to 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the constitutional court.

Challenger's Position

Tchiroma Bakary is has not yet commented to the government's decision to try him, but he had before declared that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being detained.

Following the vote count, he claimed that security forces shot on demonstrators gathered near his home in Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 individuals.

Inquiry Announced

Earlier this week, the government official announced that an probe would be launched into violent incidents surrounding the publication of the vote outcome.

"During these attacks, some of the criminals died," he commented, without providing a exact count of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the clashes.

The minister added that a number of members of the law enforcement also suffered serious injuries.

Ongoing Circumstances

While Nji asserted the state of affairs nationwide was now stable, protesters are still demonstrating in certain regions of the country, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators set up barricades on that day, and ignited rubber on the thoroughfares.

Analysts warn that the post-electoral violence could lead the country into a governmental instability.