Cameroon Opposition Leader Faces Court Action Regarding Electoral Turmoil, Authorities Declares

Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has declared that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he provoked "violent electoral rallies".

No fewer than four protesters have been fatally wounded during clashes between police and military and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth term in office.

Tchiroma Bakary insists that he emerged victorious, a claim rejected by Biya's ruling party, the ruling CPDM.

Forceful measures by law enforcement on demonstrators have concerned the international community, with the UN, AU and European Union demanding caution.

Minister's Claims

Earlier this week, Nji charged the opposition figure of planning what he described as "unlawful" protests causing the loss of lives, and also condemned him for announcing success in the electoral contest.

He noted that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.

Election Results

Paul Biya, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the 12 October vote with a majority of the vote, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.

Challenger's Position

Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the government's decision to prosecute him, but he had earlier stated that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being taken into custody.

On election result day, he said that gunmen opened fire on protesters gathered near his residence in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 individuals.

Investigation Launched

Earlier this week, the interior minister announced that an investigation would be started into clashes surrounding the publication of the poll figures.

"During these attacks, some of the perpetrators lost their lives," he commented, without offering a specific number of protesters who have been killed in the incidents.

The minister further mentioned that multiple members of the police and military also sustained significant wounds.

Ongoing Circumstances

Even though Nji maintained the condition nationwide was now under control, demonstrators remain active in certain regions of the nation, especially in urban centers, where protesters mounted barricades on Tuesday, and ignited tyres on the streets.

Observers warn that the election-related unrest could plunge the nation into a governmental instability.