Cameroon Opposition Figure Confronts Legal Proceedings Over Post-Election Violence, Authorities Says

Political Demonstration in Cameroon
Numerous in Cameroon are furious over the fact that the president has won an eighth presidential term

Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has declared that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he instigated "aggressive post-election demonstrations".

A minimum of four demonstrators have been killed during confrontations between security forces and demonstrators since the presidential election on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 securing an eighth presidential mandate.

The opposition leader insists that he was the true winner, a statement dismissed by the incumbent party, the CPDM.

Aggressive responses by law enforcement on protesters have worried the world leaders, with the UN, African Union and EU demanding moderation.

Minister's Allegations

Recently, the interior minister charged the opposition figure of organising what he described as "unauthorized" protests leading to the fatalities, and also criticised him for claiming win in the election.

He noted that the opposition leader's "accomplices involved in an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.

Poll Figures

Paul Biya, who took control in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the 12 October vote with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for the challenger, according to the electoral authority.

Challenger's Position

The opposition figure is yet to respond to the official announcement to prosecute him, but he had previously stated that he would not accept a rigged election - and that he was fearless of being arrested.

When results were announced, he claimed that armed men shot on demonstrators assembled near his home in Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 civilians.

Inquiry Announced

On Tuesday, the interior minister disclosed that an inquiry would be initiated into unrest surrounding the declaration of the vote outcome.

"Throughout the violence, some of the individuals involved died," he commented, without offering a exact count of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the confrontations.

Nji further mentioned that a number of personnel of the security forces also received significant wounds.

Present Conditions

Although the interior minister asserted the condition throughout Cameroon was now manageable, protesters remain active in certain regions of the nation, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators set up obstructions on Tuesday, and burnt tires on the thoroughfares.

Observers caution that the election-related unrest could push the nation into a political crisis.

Jennifer Brown
Jennifer Brown

Berlin-based event curator and nightlife journalist with a passion for urban culture and entertainment trends.