Cameroon Political Opposition Leader Faces Legal Proceedings Regarding Post-Election Violence, Government Declares

Political Demonstration in Cameroon
Numerous in Cameroon are furious that Paul Biya has won an eighth term

The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has announced that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over accusations that he incited "violent electoral rallies".

A minimum of four demonstrators have been lost their lives during skirmishes between police and military and protesters since the presidential election on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya obtaining an eighth term in office.

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

Forceful measures by police and security officers on demonstrators have concerned the world leaders, with the UN, AU and European Union calling for caution.

Minister's Allegations

Recently, Nji accused the opposition figure of coordinating what he referred to as "unauthorized" demonstrations resulting in the fatalities, and also criticised him for claiming win in the electoral contest.

He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators behind an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.

Poll Figures

Cameroon's leader, who came to power in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, 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

The opposition figure is remains silent to the authorities' move to try him, but he had before announced that he rejected a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being detained.

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

Inquiry Launched

On Tuesday, the government official revealed that an investigation would be initiated into clashes surrounding the declaration of the election results.

"Throughout the violence, some of the criminals were killed," he said, without offering a specific number of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the incidents.

The minister further mentioned that a number of officers of the law enforcement also sustained serious injuries.

Present Conditions

While the interior minister asserted the situation throughout Cameroon was now stable, protesters are still demonstrating in various areas of the nation, especially in these two cities, where protesters mounted barricades on Tuesday, and ignited rubber on the streets.

Observers warn that the political turmoil could lead the country into a governmental instability.

Tracie Williams
Tracie Williams

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