🔗 Share this article

The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has declared that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over claims that he instigated "aggressive electoral rallies".

No fewer than four protesters have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between law enforcement and demonstrators since the presidential election on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.

Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he won the election, a statement disputed by the incumbent party, the CPDM.

Violent crackdowns by security personnel on protesters have alarmed the world leaders, with the UN, AU and EU demanding moderation.

Official's Allegations

Recently, the interior minister accused Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he referred to as "unauthorized" protests leading to the deaths, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.

He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices behind an subversive plot" will also be prosecuted.

Election Results

Cameroon's leader, who took control in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, secured the 12 October election with 53.7% of the votes, compared to just over a third for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the constitutional court.

Opposition Response

Tchiroma Bakary is yet to respond to the authorities' move to prosecute him, but he had before stated that he refused to acknowledge a rigged election - and that he was not afraid of being taken into custody.

Following the vote count, he said that armed men shot on demonstrators present near his house in Garoua, killing at least 2 civilians.

Inquiry Announced

Recently, the interior minister announced that an inquiry would be initiated into unrest surrounding the announcement of the poll figures.

"During these attacks, some of the individuals involved lost their lives," he stated, without offering a exact count of protesters who have been killed in the confrontations.

The minister further mentioned that multiple personnel of the police and military also received significant wounds.

Ongoing Circumstances

While the interior minister maintained the situation across the country was now stable, demonstrators remain active in certain regions of the country, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators mounted obstructions on Tuesday, and burnt tires on the roads.

Observers warn that the election-related unrest could lead the nation into a political crisis.