Cameroonian Political Opposition Leader Faces Court Action Concerning Election Unrest, Government Says

The nation's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has declared that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over allegations that he instigated "violent post-election demonstrations".

No fewer than four demonstrators have been killed during clashes between law enforcement and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya securing an eighth presidential mandate.

Issa Tchiroma asserts that he won the election, a assertion rejected by the incumbent party, the ruling CPDM.

Violent crackdowns by law enforcement on protesters have alarmed the world leaders, with the UN, African Union and EU calling for moderation.

Official's Allegations

Earlier this week, the interior minister accused Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he referred to as "unauthorized" protests resulting in the loss of lives, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the election.

He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators involved in an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.

Election Results

The president, who took control in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, won the 12 October presidential election with a majority of the ballots, compared to 35.2% for the challenger, according to the electoral authority.

Challenger's Position

The opposition figure is yet to respond to the authorities' move to try him, but he had previously stated that he would not accept a fraudulent outcome - and that he was undaunted of being taken into custody.

When results were announced, he reported that armed men opened fire on demonstrators gathered near his house in Garoua, causing the death of at least two civilians.

Probe Revealed

On Tuesday, the interior minister announced that an inquiry would be launched into unrest surrounding the announcement of the election results.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals were killed," he commented, without giving a precise figure of protesters who have been lost their lives in the clashes.

The minister added that several members of the law enforcement also suffered major harm.

Current Situation

While the interior minister insisted the condition across the country was now stable, demonstrators remain active in some parts of the country, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators mounted roadblocks on that day, and ignited tires on the thoroughfares.

Analysts alert that the political turmoil could plunge the nation into a governmental instability.