Cameroonian Political Opposition Leader Faces Court Action Concerning Post-Election Violence, Government Declares

The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has declared that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over allegations that he instigated "violent post-election demonstrations".

At least four protesters have been killed during clashes between law enforcement and protesters since the presidential election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth term in office.

Issa Tchiroma maintains that he emerged victorious, a statement rejected by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Aggressive responses by law enforcement on protesters have alarmed the world leaders, with the UN, African Union and EU urging restraint.

Official's Claims

Recently, the interior minister alleged Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he referred to as "unauthorized" demonstrations resulting in the deaths, and also rebuked him for declaring victory in the presidential race.

He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices behind an insurrectionary plan" will also be prosecuted.

Poll Figures

The president, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, obtained the October 12 election with over half of the vote, compared to 35.2% for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.

Leader's Stance

Tchiroma Bakary is yet to respond to the official announcement to bring him to court, but he had earlier declared that he rejected a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being taken into custody.

On election result day, he reported that armed men used lethal force on demonstrators present near his house in the city of Garoua, killing at least 2 civilians.

Investigation Announced

On Tuesday, the interior minister revealed that an probe would be launched into clashes prior to and following the announcement of the election results.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the individuals involved were killed," he stated, without providing a exact count of protesters who have been killed in the confrontations.

Nji noted that several officers of the security forces also sustained serious injuries.

Present Conditions

While the interior minister asserted the state of affairs throughout Cameroon was now manageable, demonstrators remain active in certain regions of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters mounted barricades on that day, and ignited tires on the streets.

Experts warn that the post-electoral violence could lead the nation into a leadership vacuum.