🔗 Share this article

Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has stated that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over claims that he incited "violent post-election demonstrations".

A minimum of 4 protesters have been killed during confrontations between law enforcement and demonstrators since the electoral process on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 winning an eighth presidential mandate.

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

Forceful measures by law enforcement on protesters have alarmed the global community, with the United Nations, AU and European Union demanding moderation.

Minister's Allegations

Earlier this week, Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he referred to as "unauthorized" protests resulting in the loss of lives, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the election.

He added that the opposition leader's "associates responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also face legal action.

Vote Outcome

Paul Biya, who came to power in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the October 12 presidential election with 53.7% of the vote, compared to a significant minority for Tchiroma Bakary, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Leader's Stance

Issa Tchiroma is yet to respond to the authorities' move to bring him to court, but he had earlier stated that he would not accept a rigged election - and that he was fearless of being taken into custody.

When results were announced, he said that armed men shot on demonstrators present near his residence in Garoua, fatally wounding at least two individuals.

Investigation Revealed

Recently, the interior minister revealed that an investigation would be initiated into unrest surrounding the announcement of the poll figures.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals lost their lives," he commented, without providing a exact count of protesters who have been killed in the clashes.

Nji noted that several members of the security forces also received significant wounds.

Current Situation

While Nji maintained the situation across the country was now manageable, demonstrators remain active in some parts of the nation, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators established roadblocks on Tuesday, and set fire to tires on the thoroughfares.

Experts alert that the political turmoil could push the nation into a governmental instability.