🔗 Share this article

Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has announced that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over accusations that he incited "aggressive electoral rallies".

No fewer than four protesters have been lost their lives during skirmishes between security forces and demonstrators since Cameroon's election on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.

The opposition leader asserts that he emerged victorious, a assertion rejected by the governing party, the ruling CPDM.

Violent crackdowns by security personnel on demonstrators have concerned the global community, with the UN, AU and European Union calling for moderation.

Minister's Claims

Earlier this week, the interior minister charged Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he labeled "unauthorized" rallies leading to the deaths, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the electoral contest.

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

Poll Figures

Paul Biya, who took control in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, won the 12 October vote with 53.7% of the vote, compared to a significant minority for his opponent, according to the constitutional court.

Leader's Stance

Issa Tchiroma is has not yet commented to the authorities' move to try him, but he had before announced that he rejected a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being taken into custody.

Following the vote count, he said that gunmen shot on demonstrators present near his home in Garoua, killing at least two people.

Inquiry Launched

On Tuesday, the interior minister disclosed that an investigation would be started into clashes before and after the announcement of the vote outcome.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the perpetrators were killed," he stated, without offering a specific number of protesters who have been killed in the incidents.

The minister noted that several personnel of the security forces also suffered significant wounds.

Current Situation

Although Nji insisted the state of affairs throughout Cameroon was now manageable, demonstrators remain active in some parts of the country, especially in urban centers, where protesters mounted obstructions on that day, and set fire to tires on the streets.

Observers caution that the post-electoral violence could push the nation into a governmental instability.