🔗 Share this article

Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has declared that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over claims that he provoked "aggressive post-election demonstrations".

No fewer than 4 demonstrators have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between law enforcement and demonstrators since the electoral process on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.

The opposition leader asserts that he won the election, a claim rejected by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Aggressive responses by police and security officers on demonstrators have concerned the global community, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union urging caution.

Minister's Accusations

Recently, the interior minister charged the opposition figure of coordinating what he described as "illegal" rallies resulting in the loss of lives, and also criticised him for claiming win in the presidential race.

He noted that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action.

Vote Outcome

Cameroon's leader, who took control in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, obtained the October 12 vote with over half of the vote, compared to just over a third for Tchiroma Bakary, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Leader's Stance

Issa Tchiroma is has not yet commented to the authorities' move to bring him to court, but he had previously announced that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was undaunted of being taken into custody.

When results were announced, he reported that security forces used lethal force on demonstrators gathered near his home in the city of Garoua, killing at least 2 individuals.

Probe Announced

Recently, the interior minister revealed that an investigation would be initiated into clashes prior to and following the announcement of the vote outcome.

"During these attacks, some of the criminals died," he commented, without providing a precise figure of demonstrators who have been killed in the incidents.

Nji noted that multiple personnel of the law enforcement also suffered major harm.

Present Conditions

While Nji insisted the condition nationwide was now manageable, demonstrators continue to protest in various areas of the nation, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators set up obstructions on Tuesday, and ignited tires on the streets.

Observers caution that the political turmoil could lead the country into a leadership vacuum.