🔗 Share this article

Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has stated that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he instigated "violent election protests".

No fewer than 4 demonstrators have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between security forces and opposition supporters since the presidential election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state securing an eighth consecutive term.

The opposition leader maintains that he won the election, a statement dismissed by the incumbent party, the ruling CPDM.

Violent crackdowns by law enforcement on protesters have worried the international community, with the UN, African Union and EU calling for restraint.

Official's Claims

Earlier this week, the interior minister accused the opposition figure of planning what he described as "unlawful" rallies leading to the loss of lives, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.

He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates involved in an subversive plot" will also face legal action.

Vote Outcome

Paul Biya, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, won the 12 October election with a majority of the vote, compared to just over a third for Tchiroma Bakary, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Leader's Stance

Issa Tchiroma is yet to respond to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had earlier announced that he rejected a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being arrested.

Following the vote count, he reported that armed men shot on protesters gathered near his residence in Garoua, causing the death of at least two individuals.

Inquiry Launched

On Tuesday, the government official revealed that an probe would be launched into violent incidents before and after the declaration of the election results.

"Throughout the violence, some of the criminals died," he commented, without providing a precise figure of demonstrators who have been killed in the incidents.

Nji added that multiple members of the law enforcement also suffered significant wounds.

Ongoing Circumstances

Even though the interior minister insisted the situation nationwide was now stable, protesters continue to protest in some parts of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators set up barricades on that day, and burnt rubber on the thoroughfares.

Analysts warn that the election-related unrest could lead the country into a political crisis.