Cameroonian Opposition Figure to Face Court Action Concerning Election Unrest, Government Says

Election Protest in Cameroon
Numerous in Cameroon are furious that the president has secured an eighth presidential term

The nation's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has declared that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over accusations that he incited "aggressive electoral rallies".

At least 4 demonstrators have been fatally wounded during clashes between security forces and demonstrators since the presidential election on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya winning an eighth term in office.

The opposition leader insists that he won the election, a claim disputed by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.

Violent crackdowns by security personnel on demonstrators have concerned the global community, with the United Nations, AU and EU urging caution.

Minister's Claims

Earlier this week, the interior minister accused the opposition figure of coordinating what he described as "unlawful" demonstrations resulting in the deaths, and also criticised him for claiming win in the election.

He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also undergo judicial processes.

Vote Outcome

The president, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the October 12 election with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the constitutional court.

Leader's Stance

Tchiroma Bakary is yet to respond to the authorities' move to prosecute him, but he had earlier stated that he refused to acknowledge a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.

When results were announced, he reported that security forces used lethal force on demonstrators gathered near his home in the city of Garoua, killing at least two people.

Inquiry Launched

Recently, the government official disclosed that an probe would be initiated into violent incidents surrounding the declaration of the election results.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the perpetrators were killed," he said, without providing a precise figure of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the incidents.

The minister noted that multiple personnel of the security forces also suffered serious injuries.

Ongoing Circumstances

Although Nji asserted the state of affairs nationwide was now under control, protesters are still demonstrating in certain regions of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters established roadblocks on Tuesday, and ignited rubber on the streets.

Experts warn that the post-electoral violence could plunge the nation into a political crisis.

John Kim
John Kim

Elara is a passionate poet and storyteller, known for her evocative verses and engaging narratives that capture the human experience.