Cameroon Opposition Leader to Face Legal Action Concerning Post-Election Violence, Government Declares

Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has stated that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over allegations that he incited "aggressive electoral rallies".

No fewer than four protesters have been fatally wounded during confrontations between police and military and protesters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth consecutive term.

The opposition leader maintains that he emerged victorious, a claim rejected by the incumbent party, the CPDM.

Forceful measures by law enforcement on protesters have worried the international community, with the UN, African Union and European Union calling for moderation.

Minister's Accusations

Earlier this week, the interior minister charged Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he labeled "unlawful" demonstrations resulting in the fatalities, and also criticised him for claiming win in the electoral contest.

He further stated that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators behind an subversive plot" will also be prosecuted.

Election Results

Cameroon's leader, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, secured the October 12 vote with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to 35.2% for his opponent, according to the constitutional court.

Opposition Response

Tchiroma Bakary is yet to respond to the government's decision to try him, but he had before announced that he rejected a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being taken into custody.

Following the vote count, he claimed that gunmen shot on protesters assembled near his residence in the city of Garoua, killing at least two civilians.

Investigation Announced

Recently, the government official disclosed that an investigation would be started into violent incidents prior to and following the announcement of the election results.

"Throughout the violence, some of the perpetrators were killed," he commented, without offering a precise figure of protesters who have been fatally injured in the clashes.

Nji noted that several officers of the police and military also received significant wounds.

Ongoing Circumstances

Although the interior minister insisted the condition across the country was now under control, protesters continue to protest in various areas of the country, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators set up obstructions on Tuesday, and burnt tires on the streets.

Experts warn that the post-electoral violence could push the country into a governmental instability.