Cameroon Political Opposition Figure Faces Court Action Regarding Electoral Turmoil, Government Declares

Political Protest in Cameroon
Many in Cameroon show outrage that the president has won an eighth consecutive term

Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has stated that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he incited "aggressive post-election demonstrations".

No fewer than four protesters have been fatally wounded during clashes between police and military and protesters since the presidential election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.

The opposition leader maintains that he won the election, a statement disputed by the governing party, the ruling CPDM.

Forceful measures by security personnel on demonstrators have worried the world leaders, with the UN, AU and EU demanding restraint.

Minister's Claims

Recently, Nji accused the opposition figure of organising what he referred to as "unauthorized" demonstrations causing the loss of lives, and also criticised him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.

He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators responsible for an subversive plot" will also face legal action.

Poll Figures

Cameroon's leader, who took control in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, obtained the October 12 presidential election with 53.7% of the vote, compared to 35.2% for his opponent, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Challenger's Position

The opposition figure is yet to respond to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had before stated that he rejected a rigged election - and that he was fearless of being arrested.

When results were announced, he claimed that security forces used lethal force on protesters assembled near his house in Garoua, causing the death of at least two civilians.

Probe Launched

Earlier this week, the government official revealed that an inquiry would be initiated into unrest prior to and following the publication of the election results.

"During these attacks, some of the perpetrators were killed," he said, without providing a exact count of protesters who have been fatally injured in the incidents.

The minister further mentioned that a number of members of the police and military also received major harm.

Present Conditions

While the interior minister insisted the state of affairs across the country was now stable, protesters are still demonstrating in various areas of the nation, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators established obstructions on Tuesday, and burnt rubber on the thoroughfares.

Observers alert that the election-related unrest could push the country into a political crisis.

Steven Morrison
Steven Morrison

Lena is a seasoned mountaineer and outdoor writer with over 15 years of experience scaling peaks across Europe and Asia.