Cameroonian Political Opposition Leader to Face Legal Proceedings Over Post-Election Violence, Government Announces

Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has announced that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over claims that he instigated "violent electoral rallies".

At least 4 protesters have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between law enforcement and demonstrators since Cameroon's election on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state securing an eighth presidential mandate.

The opposition leader asserts that he was the true winner, a claim dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Violent crackdowns by security personnel on protesters have concerned the global community, with the UN, AU and EU demanding restraint.

Minister's Claims

Recently, Nji accused the opposition figure of organising what he referred to as "unauthorized" demonstrations causing the deaths, and also criticised him for declaring victory in the election.

He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also be prosecuted.

Poll Figures

Paul Biya, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, won the 12 October election with over half of the votes, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.

Challenger's Position

Issa Tchiroma is has not yet commented to the official announcement to try him, but he had earlier stated that he would not accept a fraudulent outcome - and that he was not afraid of being detained.

Following the vote count, he said that gunmen used lethal force on demonstrators assembled near his house in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least two individuals.

Inquiry Announced

Earlier this week, the interior minister disclosed that an inquiry would be initiated into clashes before and after the declaration of the election results.

"Throughout the violence, some of the individuals involved lost their lives," he commented, without giving a specific number of demonstrators who have been killed in the clashes.

Nji added that multiple officers of the law enforcement also suffered major harm.

Present Conditions

Although Nji insisted the condition throughout Cameroon was now manageable, protesters continue to protest in certain regions of the nation, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators established barricades on Tuesday, and burnt rubber on the roads.

Analysts alert that the post-electoral violence could plunge the nation into a political crisis.