Cameroonian Opposition Figure Faces Court Action Concerning Electoral Turmoil, Authorities Declares

Election Demonstration in Cameroon
Numerous in Cameroon express anger that the president has won an eighth consecutive term

The nation's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has declared that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he provoked "violent post-election demonstrations".

A minimum of 4 protesters have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between security forces and opposition supporters since the electoral process on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 winning an eighth term in office.

The opposition leader maintains that he was the true winner, a statement rejected by the incumbent party, the ruling CPDM.

Forceful measures by police and security officers on protesters have concerned the world leaders, with the UN, AU and EU calling for moderation.

Minister's Accusations

Recently, Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he labeled "unauthorized" protests resulting in the loss of lives, and also criticised him for claiming win in the electoral contest.

He further stated that the opposition leader's "associates responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action.

Election Results

Paul Biya, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the October 12 vote with a majority of the vote, compared to a significant minority for the challenger, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Challenger's Position

Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the official announcement to prosecute him, but he had earlier declared that he would not accept a fraudulent outcome - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.

When results were announced, he said that security forces shot on protesters present near his home in Garoua, causing the death of at least two civilians.

Inquiry Announced

Earlier this week, the government official disclosed that an probe would be launched into clashes before and after the announcement of the election results.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals died," he said, without offering a specific number of protesters who have been lost their lives in the confrontations.

Nji noted that several personnel of the law enforcement also received significant wounds.

Present Conditions

Even though Nji maintained the condition across the country was now manageable, demonstrators are still demonstrating in various areas of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators set up roadblocks on that day, and ignited tyres on the roads.

Observers alert that the election-related unrest could lead the country into a governmental instability.

Melinda Sawyer
Melinda Sawyer

A tech journalist with a passion for exploring emerging technologies and their impact on everyday life.