🔗 Share this article

Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has stated that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over accusations that he provoked "violent post-election demonstrations".

A minimum of four demonstrators have been fatally wounded during confrontations between law enforcement and protesters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya securing an eighth consecutive term.

The opposition leader maintains that he emerged victorious, a assertion dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the ruling CPDM.

Aggressive responses by law enforcement on demonstrators have concerned the global community, with the UN, AU and European Union urging restraint.

Official's Accusations

Earlier this week, Nji accused the opposition figure of planning what he labeled "unlawful" rallies leading to the loss of lives, and also criticised him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.

He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action.

Poll Figures

Paul Biya, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the October 12 election with a majority of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for the challenger, according to the electoral authority.

Challenger's Position

Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the authorities' move to try him, but he had earlier declared that he refused to acknowledge a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being detained.

When results were announced, he said that gunmen shot on protesters assembled near his house in Garoua, fatally wounding at least two individuals.

Investigation Revealed

Earlier this week, the interior minister disclosed that an inquiry would be initiated into violent incidents prior to and following the announcement of the election results.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the perpetrators died," he stated, without providing a exact count of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the confrontations.

The minister noted that several members of the security forces also suffered serious injuries.

Ongoing Circumstances

While the interior minister asserted the state of affairs across the country was now under control, protesters are still demonstrating in some parts of the nation, especially in urban centers, where protesters established obstructions on that day, and set fire to tires on the thoroughfares.

Analysts warn that the post-electoral violence could lead the nation into a leadership vacuum.