Cameroonian Opposition Leader Confronts Legal Action Regarding Post-Election Violence, Government Announces

The nation's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has stated that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over allegations that he instigated "aggressive electoral rallies".

At least four demonstrators have been killed during skirmishes between police and military and demonstrators since the electoral process on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya securing an eighth presidential mandate.

Issa Tchiroma insists that he won the election, a statement dismissed by the incumbent party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Aggressive responses by police and security officers on protesters have concerned the international community, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union urging moderation.

Minister's Accusations

On Tuesday, Nji charged the opposition figure of coordinating what he described as "illegal" protests leading to the fatalities, and also criticised him for declaring victory in the presidential race.

He added that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators responsible for an subversive plot" will also be prosecuted.

Poll Figures

The president, who took control in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the October 12 election with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to 35.2% for his opponent, according to the electoral authority.

Challenger's Position

Tchiroma Bakary is remains silent to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had previously declared that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being taken into custody.

When results were announced, he reported that security forces used lethal force on protesters assembled near his residence in Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 people.

Inquiry Revealed

Recently, the government official announced that an inquiry would be launched into unrest prior to and following the declaration of the election results.

"During these attacks, some of the criminals lost their lives," he commented, without giving a specific number of protesters who have been lost their lives in the clashes.

Nji added that several officers of the law enforcement also received serious injuries.

Ongoing Circumstances

Although Nji insisted the state of affairs throughout Cameroon was now stable, demonstrators remain active in various areas of the nation, especially in these two cities, where protesters established obstructions on Tuesday, and burnt rubber on the roads.

Analysts caution that the election-related unrest could push the country into a political crisis.