Cameroon Opposition Figure to Face Legal Proceedings Regarding Electoral Turmoil, Authorities Declares

Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has announced that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he provoked "violent election protests".

A minimum of 4 protesters have been killed during skirmishes between police and military and demonstrators since Cameroon's election on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth term in office.

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

Aggressive responses by law enforcement on protesters have worried the international community, with the United Nations, AU and EU calling for moderation.

Minister's Claims

On Tuesday, the interior minister charged Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he labeled "unlawful" rallies resulting in the loss of lives, and also criticised him for claiming win in the electoral contest.

He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also face legal action.

Election Results

Paul Biya, who came to power in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the 12 October vote with a majority of the vote, compared to just over a third for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.

Leader's Stance

Issa Tchiroma is yet to respond to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had before stated that he rejected a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.

When results were announced, he reported that armed men shot on protesters assembled near his house in the city of Garoua, killing at least 2 civilians.

Inquiry Announced

On Tuesday, the interior minister disclosed that an probe would be launched into unrest surrounding the announcement of the poll figures.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals were killed," he stated, without providing a specific number of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the clashes.

Nji added that a number of members of the law enforcement also suffered serious injuries.

Current Situation

While the interior minister maintained the state of affairs nationwide was now manageable, protesters remain active in some parts of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators mounted obstructions on Tuesday, and burnt tyres on the thoroughfares.

Observers alert that the post-electoral violence could push the country into a political crisis.