Cameroon Opposition Leader Confronts Legal Action Over Election Unrest, Government Announces

Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has announced that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over accusations that he instigated "aggressive election protests".

At least 4 demonstrators have been fatally wounded during clashes between police and military and protesters since Cameroon's election on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya obtaining an eighth term in office.

The opposition leader maintains that he was the true winner, a claim dismissed by the governing party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Violent crackdowns by security personnel on demonstrators have concerned the world leaders, with the UN, AU and European Union demanding caution.

Minister's Claims

Recently, the interior minister accused Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he labeled "illegal" rallies causing the fatalities, and also rebuked him for declaring victory in the election.

He further stated that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators responsible for an subversive plot" will also face legal action.

Election Results

Paul Biya, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, secured the October 12 vote with a majority of the vote, compared to just over a third for his opponent, according to the constitutional court.

Opposition Response

The opposition figure is yet to respond to the official announcement to try him, but he had earlier announced that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being taken into custody.

Following the vote count, he claimed that gunmen opened fire on protesters present near his residence in Garoua, causing the death of at least two individuals.

Investigation Revealed

On Tuesday, the interior minister revealed that an inquiry would be launched into clashes prior to and following the announcement of the vote outcome.

"During these attacks, some of the individuals involved lost their lives," he commented, without giving a specific number of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the clashes.

Nji noted that a number of officers of the law enforcement also received major harm.

Present Conditions

Even though the interior minister insisted the situation throughout Cameroon was now manageable, protesters remain active in certain regions of the nation, especially in urban centers, where protesters established roadblocks on that day, and ignited tires on the streets.

Experts warn that the political turmoil could plunge the country into a governmental instability.