🔗 Share this article

Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has announced that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over allegations that he incited "violent election protests".

At least four demonstrators have been killed during clashes between police and military and opposition supporters since the electoral process on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth term in office.

Issa Tchiroma maintains that he was the true winner, a assertion disputed by the incumbent party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Aggressive responses by security personnel on demonstrators have alarmed the world leaders, with the United Nations, African Union and EU calling for caution.

Minister's Allegations

On Tuesday, Nji charged Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he described as "unauthorized" demonstrations resulting in the loss of lives, and also criticised him for announcing success in the presidential race.

He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates involved in an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action.

Election Results

Paul Biya, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, obtained the 12 October presidential election with 53.7% of the votes, compared to just over a third for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.

Challenger's Position

The opposition figure is yet to respond to the authorities' move to prosecute him, but he had before stated that he rejected a rigged election - and that he was fearless of being detained.

When results were announced, he reported that armed men shot on demonstrators present near his residence in Garoua, fatally wounding at least two people.

Probe Revealed

Earlier this week, the government official announced that an inquiry would be launched into violent incidents surrounding the announcement of the vote outcome.

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

The minister noted that several personnel of the law enforcement also suffered significant wounds.

Current Situation

Even though Nji insisted the condition throughout Cameroon was now manageable, protesters are still demonstrating in some parts of the country, especially in urban centers, where protesters mounted roadblocks on that day, and ignited rubber on the roads.

Observers alert that the post-electoral violence could plunge the country into a leadership vacuum.