Cameroonian Political Opposition Leader Faces Legal Action Regarding Election Unrest, Authorities Announces

The nation's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has stated that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over accusations that he provoked "aggressive electoral rallies".

No fewer than 4 protesters have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between police and military and demonstrators since the electoral process on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 securing an eighth consecutive term.

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

Violent crackdowns by security personnel on demonstrators have concerned the world leaders, with the United Nations, AU and EU urging caution.

Official's Allegations

Recently, the interior minister charged Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he referred to as "unlawful" rallies leading to the deaths, and also condemned him for announcing success in the electoral contest.

He added that the opposition leader's "associates involved in an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.

Poll Figures

The president, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, won the 12 October election with over half of the votes, compared to a significant minority for his opponent, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Leader's Stance

Issa Tchiroma is yet to respond to the official announcement to try him, but he had previously stated that he would not accept a rigged election - and that he was not afraid of being arrested.

Following the vote count, he reported that security forces used lethal force on demonstrators gathered near his home in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 civilians.

Probe Revealed

Recently, the interior minister disclosed that an probe would be launched into unrest before and after the declaration of the poll figures.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the perpetrators were killed," he commented, without offering a exact count of protesters who have been killed in the clashes.

Nji added that a number of members of the security forces also received serious injuries.

Present Conditions

While the interior minister maintained the state of affairs across the country was now manageable, protesters remain active in some parts of the country, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators established obstructions on Tuesday, and ignited tires on the roads.

Analysts caution that the political turmoil could lead the nation into a governmental instability.