Cameroonian Opposition Leader to Face Legal Proceedings Concerning Electoral Turmoil, Authorities Declares

Political Protest in Cameroon
Numerous in Cameroon express anger over the fact that Paul Biya has won an eighth consecutive term

Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has stated that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over allegations that he instigated "aggressive electoral rallies".

No fewer than 4 protesters have been fatally wounded during confrontations between law enforcement and demonstrators since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth presidential mandate.

Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he emerged victorious, a claim disputed by the incumbent party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Forceful measures by police and security officers on demonstrators have alarmed the global community, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union demanding caution.

Official's Accusations

Recently, the interior minister charged Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he referred to as "illegal" demonstrations causing the deaths, and also rebuked him for claiming win in the presidential race.

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

Election Results

Paul Biya, who took control in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, secured the 12 October vote with a majority of the votes, compared to just over a third for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the constitutional court.

Opposition Response

Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the government's decision to prosecute him, but he had earlier announced that he would not accept a fraudulent outcome - and that he was fearless of being arrested.

When results were announced, he reported that security forces opened fire on demonstrators present near his residence in Garoua, killing at least 2 individuals.

Inquiry Launched

Recently, the interior minister announced that an probe would be launched into violent incidents before and after the announcement of the election results.

"During these attacks, some of the individuals involved died," he said, without providing a specific number of demonstrators who have been killed in the incidents.

The minister added that several members of the security forces also sustained major harm.

Present Conditions

Even though the interior minister maintained the state of affairs nationwide was now under control, protesters continue to protest in various areas of the country, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators established barricades on Tuesday, and set fire to tires on the roads.

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

Paul Huerta
Paul Huerta

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