Cameroonian Opposition Figure Confronts Legal Action Regarding Post-Election Violence, Authorities Declares

Election Protest in Cameroon
Many in Cameroon show outrage that Paul Biya has secured an eighth presidential term

Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has stated that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over allegations that he instigated "violent post-election demonstrations".

No fewer than four demonstrators have been killed during clashes between police and military and protesters since the presidential election on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.

The opposition leader maintains that he won the election, a assertion rejected by the incumbent party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Forceful measures by security personnel on protesters have worried the international community, with the United Nations, African Union and EU demanding restraint.

Official's Accusations

On Tuesday, Nji alleged the opposition figure of planning what he described as "illegal" protests leading to the deaths, and also rebuked him for claiming win in the election.

He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices involved in an subversive plot" will also undergo judicial processes.

Vote Outcome

Paul Biya, who took control in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the 12 October presidential election with a majority of the vote, compared to 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.

Opposition Response

The opposition figure is yet to respond to the government's decision to try him, but he had earlier stated that he refused to acknowledge a rigged election - and that he was not afraid of being taken into custody.

When results were announced, he said that security forces opened fire on demonstrators present near his residence in Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 people.

Investigation Announced

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

"Throughout the violence, some of the perpetrators lost their lives," he stated, without offering a precise figure of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the clashes.

Nji added that a number of personnel of the police and military also suffered serious injuries.

Present Conditions

While the interior minister maintained the situation throughout Cameroon was now manageable, protesters are still demonstrating in various areas of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators set up roadblocks on that day, and set fire to rubber on the roads.

Analysts alert that the political turmoil could push the country into a governmental instability.

Jeffery Blankenship
Jeffery Blankenship

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