Cameroon Opposition Figure Faces Legal Proceedings Over Post-Election Violence, Government Says

Election Protest in Cameroon
Many in Cameroon show outrage over the fact that the president has secured an eighth consecutive term

The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has announced that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over accusations that he incited "violent election protests".

At least 4 protesters have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between law enforcement and protesters since the presidential election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state obtaining an eighth term in office.

The opposition leader asserts that he emerged victorious, a assertion dismissed by the governing party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Forceful measures by police and security officers on demonstrators have alarmed the world leaders, with the UN, African Union and European Union demanding moderation.

Minister's Allegations

On Tuesday, the interior minister alleged the opposition figure of planning what he referred to as "illegal" protests leading to the deaths, and also rebuked him for claiming win in the electoral contest.

He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices involved in an subversive plot" will also be prosecuted.

Poll Figures

Cameroon's leader, who came to power in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, won the October 12 presidential election with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to the electoral authority.

Leader's Stance

Tchiroma Bakary is remains silent to the official announcement to try him, but he had earlier announced that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being detained.

When results were announced, he said that security forces used lethal force on protesters present near his residence in Garoua, causing the death of at least two civilians.

Investigation Announced

On Tuesday, the government official announced that an probe would be initiated into clashes surrounding the announcement of the election results.

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

The minister further mentioned that a number of officers of the police and military also received serious injuries.

Present Conditions

While Nji asserted the situation throughout Cameroon was now under control, protesters remain active in various areas of the nation, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators mounted roadblocks on Tuesday, and set fire to tyres on the thoroughfares.

Observers alert that the post-electoral violence could lead the nation into a governmental instability.

Colin Palmer
Colin Palmer

A seasoned casino analyst with over a decade of experience in gaming strategy and industry trends.

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