Cameroonian Political Opposition Figure to Face Legal Action Over Electoral Turmoil, Authorities Says

The nation's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has stated that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over claims that he incited "violent post-election demonstrations".

No fewer than 4 protesters have been killed during confrontations between police and military and demonstrators since the presidential election on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth term in office.

The opposition leader maintains that he emerged victorious, a assertion dismissed by the incumbent party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Forceful measures by police and security officers on demonstrators have alarmed the world leaders, with the United Nations, AU and European Union urging moderation.

Minister's Allegations

On Tuesday, the interior minister accused the opposition figure of planning what he described as "illegal" rallies leading to the fatalities, and also condemned him for claiming win in the electoral contest.

He further stated that the opposition leader's "associates involved in an subversive plot" will also undergo judicial processes.

Election Results

The president, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, obtained the 12 October election with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.

Challenger's Position

Tchiroma Bakary is yet to respond to the official announcement to try him, but he had before announced that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.

On election result day, he said that gunmen shot on demonstrators assembled near his residence in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least two individuals.

Inquiry Announced

Recently, the government official disclosed that an investigation would be initiated into unrest prior to and following the announcement of the vote outcome.

"During these attacks, some of the criminals were killed," he said, without giving a exact count of protesters who have been killed in the incidents.

Nji further mentioned that multiple members of the security forces also received serious injuries.

Current Situation

Even though the interior minister asserted the condition throughout Cameroon was now stable, protesters continue to protest in various areas of the country, especially in urban centers, where protesters mounted roadblocks on Tuesday, and ignited tyres on the roads.

Analysts caution that the post-electoral violence could push the nation into a political crisis.