Cameroonian Opposition Leader Faces Court Action Over Electoral Turmoil, Government Announces

Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has declared that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over claims that he provoked "violent electoral rallies".

At least 4 protesters have been fatally wounded during confrontations between police and military and protesters since the presidential election on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 securing an eighth consecutive term.

Issa Tchiroma asserts that he emerged victorious, a statement dismissed by the governing party, the CPDM.

Aggressive responses by law enforcement on demonstrators have alarmed the international community, with the UN, African Union and EU demanding restraint.

Minister's Allegations

On Tuesday, Nji charged Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he labeled "unlawful" demonstrations leading to the loss of lives, and also criticised him for declaring victory in the election.

He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates behind an subversive plot" will also be prosecuted.

Election Results

Paul Biya, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, secured the October 12 vote with over half of the votes, compared to 35.2% for the challenger, according to the electoral authority.

Opposition Response

Tchiroma Bakary is has not yet commented to the authorities' move to try him, but he had before stated that he rejected a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being detained.

When results were announced, he claimed that gunmen shot on protesters assembled near his residence in the city of Garoua, killing at least 2 civilians.

Probe Announced

On Tuesday, the interior minister revealed that an investigation would be launched into clashes surrounding the declaration of the election results.

"Throughout the violence, some of the perpetrators lost their lives," he stated, without giving a specific number of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the clashes.

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

Ongoing Circumstances

Even though the interior minister maintained the situation across the country was now manageable, demonstrators are still demonstrating in some parts of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators set up barricades on Tuesday, and set fire to tires on the roads.

Experts alert that the political turmoil could lead the nation into a political crisis.