Cameroon Political Opposition Leader to Face Court Action Over Election Unrest, Authorities Says

Political Demonstration 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 stated that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over claims that he incited "violent post-election demonstrations".

No fewer than four protesters have been killed during confrontations between police and military and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state obtaining an eighth consecutive term.

Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he was the true winner, a statement rejected by the governing party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Forceful measures by law enforcement on demonstrators have worried the international community, with the UN, AU and European Union demanding restraint.

Official's Claims

On Tuesday, Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he labeled "unauthorized" protests causing the fatalities, and also criticised him for announcing success in the election.

He noted that the opposition leader's "accomplices responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also undergo judicial processes.

Poll Figures

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

Leader's Stance

Issa Tchiroma is yet to respond 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 arrested.

Following the vote count, he said that armed men used lethal force on protesters present near his house in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 civilians.

Investigation Launched

On Tuesday, the government official revealed that an probe would be launched into clashes prior to and following the declaration of the vote outcome.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the individuals involved died," he stated, without giving a specific number of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the clashes.

Nji added that a number of personnel of the security forces also received significant wounds.

Ongoing Circumstances

While the interior minister maintained the condition throughout Cameroon was now stable, demonstrators continue to protest in some parts of the nation, especially in urban centers, where protesters established roadblocks on that day, and ignited tires on the roads.

Observers warn that the election-related unrest could lead the country into a governmental instability.

Andre Gordon
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