🔗 Share this article

Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has announced that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over allegations that he instigated "violent election protests".

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

Issa Tchiroma asserts that he won the election, a statement disputed by the incumbent party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Forceful measures by police and security officers on protesters have worried the world leaders, with the United Nations, AU and European Union demanding caution.

Official's Accusations

On Tuesday, Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he referred to as "unlawful" demonstrations leading to the fatalities, and also rebuked him for declaring victory in the election.

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

Poll Figures

Cameroon's leader, who came to power in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, secured the 12 October vote with a majority of the vote, compared to a significant minority for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the constitutional court.

Challenger's Position

Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the government's decision to try him, but he had previously announced that he refused to acknowledge a fraudulent outcome - and that he was not afraid of being taken into custody.

On election result day, he said that security forces shot on protesters assembled near his house in Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 people.

Probe Launched

Earlier this week, the interior minister revealed that an inquiry would be launched into clashes prior to and following the publication of the vote outcome.

"Throughout the violence, some of the individuals involved died," he said, without providing a exact count of protesters who have been lost their lives in the confrontations.

Nji noted that a number of personnel of the security forces also suffered major harm.

Present Conditions

While the interior minister asserted the condition nationwide was now stable, protesters continue to protest in some parts of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters mounted roadblocks on Tuesday, and set fire to rubber on the roads.

Analysts warn that the post-electoral violence could lead the country into a political crisis.