🔗 Share this article

The nation's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has declared that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over allegations that he incited "aggressive election protests".

No fewer than four protesters have been killed during skirmishes between security forces and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 winning an eighth presidential mandate.

Tchiroma Bakary insists that he was the true winner, a statement dismissed by the incumbent party, the ruling CPDM.

Violent crackdowns by law enforcement on demonstrators have worried the global community, with the United Nations, AU and European Union urging caution.

Minister's Claims

Earlier this week, the interior minister charged the opposition figure of coordinating what he referred to as "illegal" demonstrations resulting in the deaths, and also criticised him for announcing success in the election.

He noted that the opposition leader's "accomplices behind an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.

Vote Outcome

The president, who took control in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, secured the 12 October presidential election with 53.7% of the votes, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to the electoral authority.

Challenger's Position

Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the authorities' move to try him, but he had earlier declared that he refused to acknowledge a fraudulent outcome - and that he was fearless of being arrested.

On election result day, he claimed that security forces used lethal force on demonstrators assembled near his home in Garoua, killing at least 2 individuals.

Investigation Launched

Earlier this week, the government official disclosed that an investigation would be started into violent incidents prior to and following the declaration of the vote outcome.

"During these attacks, some of the perpetrators died," he said, without giving a specific number of protesters who have been lost their lives in the clashes.

The minister further mentioned that several officers of the security forces also suffered major harm.

Current Situation

Even though the interior minister asserted the situation across the country was now under control, demonstrators continue to protest in certain regions of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators established obstructions on that day, and ignited tires on the streets.

Experts warn that the post-electoral violence could plunge the nation into a governmental instability.