Cameroon Opposition Leader Faces Court Action Regarding Election Unrest, Authorities Declares

Election Demonstration in Cameroon
Numerous in Cameroon show outrage that Paul Biya has secured an eighth term

Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has declared that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he provoked "aggressive election protests".

At least 4 protesters have been fatally wounded during clashes between police and military and demonstrators since the presidential election on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya winning an eighth consecutive term.

Issa Tchiroma insists that he was the true winner, a claim rejected by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.

Aggressive responses by law enforcement on protesters have concerned the world leaders, with the United Nations, AU and European Union demanding restraint.

Official's Accusations

On Tuesday, Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he described as "illegal" protests leading to the loss of lives, and also criticised him for claiming win in the presidential race.

He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates involved in an insurrectionary plan" will also face legal action.

Election Results

Paul Biya, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the 12 October presidential election with 53.7% of the vote, compared to just over a third for Tchiroma Bakary, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Challenger's Position

Tchiroma Bakary is yet to respond to the official announcement to try him, but he had previously declared that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being arrested.

Following the vote count, he reported that armed men shot on protesters gathered near his house in the city of Garoua, killing at least two civilians.

Inquiry Announced

On Tuesday, the government official announced that an inquiry would be initiated into clashes before and after the declaration of the poll figures.

"During these attacks, some of the perpetrators died," he stated, without offering a exact count of protesters who have been lost their lives in the clashes.

The minister noted that a number of officers of the police and military also suffered significant wounds.

Present Conditions

While Nji maintained the condition across the country was now manageable, demonstrators remain active in some parts of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators mounted barricades on Tuesday, and set fire to tyres on the streets.

Experts caution that the election-related unrest could push the nation into a leadership vacuum.

Steven Marquez
Steven Marquez

Former casino manager turned gaming analyst, specializing in slot machine mechanics and responsible gambling practices.