Cameroonian Opposition Leader Faces Court Action Over Election Unrest, Authorities Announces

Political Protest in Cameroon
Many in Cameroon show outrage that the president has won an eighth presidential term

The nation's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has declared that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over allegations that he provoked "aggressive post-election demonstrations".

No fewer than 4 demonstrators have been killed during clashes between security forces and opposition supporters since the presidential election on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 securing an eighth term in office.

Issa Tchiroma maintains that he was the true winner, a statement disputed by Biya's ruling party, the ruling CPDM.

Aggressive responses by security personnel on demonstrators have concerned the international community, with the United Nations, AU and European Union urging restraint.

Official's Claims

Recently, the interior minister accused Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he labeled "unauthorized" demonstrations resulting in the deaths, and also rebuked him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.

He noted that the opposition leader's "associates responsible for an subversive plot" will also face legal action.

Poll Figures

Paul Biya, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the 12 October vote with over half of the votes, compared to a significant minority for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.

Opposition Response

The opposition figure is yet to respond to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had earlier announced that he refused to acknowledge a rigged election - and that he was fearless of being arrested.

When results were announced, he said that security forces opened fire on protesters present near his house in Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 civilians.

Probe Announced

Earlier this week, the interior minister announced that an investigation would be launched into violent incidents before and after the publication of the poll figures.

"During these attacks, some of the individuals involved were killed," he commented, without offering a specific number of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the confrontations.

The minister noted that several officers of the security forces also sustained significant wounds.

Current Situation

While the interior minister insisted the state of affairs across the country was now manageable, protesters continue to protest in certain regions of the nation, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators established roadblocks on Tuesday, and burnt tyres on the roads.

Analysts warn that the political turmoil could lead the nation into a political crisis.

Phillip Walsh
Phillip Walsh

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