Cameroon Opposition Leader Faces Legal Action Over Election Unrest, Government Says

Election Protest in Cameroon
Numerous in Cameroon show outrage that Paul Biya has won an eighth consecutive term

Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has announced that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over allegations that he provoked "aggressive post-election demonstrations".

No fewer than four protesters have been lost their lives during confrontations between police and military and demonstrators since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth term in office.

Tchiroma Bakary insists that he was the true winner, a claim rejected by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Violent crackdowns by police and security officers on demonstrators have worried the world leaders, with the UN, AU and EU urging caution.

Official's Claims

On Tuesday, Nji accused the opposition figure of coordinating what he labeled "unlawful" protests causing the deaths, and also condemned him for claiming win in the presidential race.

He further stated that the opposition leader's "associates responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action.

Election Results

Cameroon's leader, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, obtained the 12 October presidential election with 53.7% of the vote, compared to a significant minority for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.

Challenger's Position

Tchiroma Bakary is yet to respond to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had previously declared that he rejected a fraudulent outcome - and that he was fearless of being taken into custody.

On election result day, he reported that security forces opened fire on protesters present near his residence in Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 people.

Inquiry Announced

Recently, the government official revealed that an investigation would be launched into unrest before and after the declaration of the poll figures.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals died," he stated, without offering a exact count of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the clashes.

Nji added that multiple members of the law enforcement also sustained significant wounds.

Current Situation

Even though the interior minister maintained the state of affairs throughout Cameroon was now manageable, demonstrators are still demonstrating in certain regions of the nation, especially in these two cities, where protesters established roadblocks on Tuesday, and set fire to tires on the streets.

Experts warn that the post-electoral violence could lead the country into a governmental instability.

Connor Baker
Connor Baker

Elara is a seasoned betting analyst with over a decade of experience in online gaming and sports wagering.