Cameroonian Opposition Leader to Face Legal Proceedings Concerning Election Unrest, Authorities Says

Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has announced that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over allegations that he provoked "violent electoral rallies".

At least 4 protesters have been fatally wounded during confrontations between police and military and protesters since Cameroon's election on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.

Issa Tchiroma asserts that he emerged victorious, a assertion dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the ruling CPDM.

Aggressive responses by police and security officers on protesters have concerned the world leaders, with the United Nations, African Union and EU demanding moderation.

Official's Accusations

On Tuesday, the interior minister charged the opposition figure of coordinating what he labeled "unlawful" demonstrations resulting in the fatalities, and also criticised him for claiming win in the presidential race.

He added that the opposition leader's "associates involved in an subversive plot" will also face legal action.

Vote Outcome

Cameroon's leader, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, won the 12 October vote with 53.7% of the vote, compared to just over a third for his opponent, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Challenger's Position

Tchiroma Bakary is yet to respond to the authorities' move to prosecute him, but he had before announced that he refused to acknowledge a rigged election - and that he was fearless of being arrested.

When results were announced, he reported that gunmen used lethal force on protesters gathered near his residence in Garoua, killing at least two civilians.

Investigation Launched

On Tuesday, the government official revealed that an probe would be launched into unrest before and after the publication of the election results.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the individuals involved lost their lives," he stated, without offering a precise figure of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the clashes.

The minister added that multiple members of the law enforcement also sustained serious injuries.

Current Situation

Even though Nji maintained the situation nationwide was now stable, protesters are still demonstrating in some parts of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters mounted obstructions on that day, and burnt rubber on the thoroughfares.

Analysts warn that the post-electoral violence could plunge the nation into a leadership vacuum.