Cameroonian Opposition Figure to Face Court Action Over Electoral Turmoil, Government Says

Election Protest in Cameroon
Numerous in Cameroon are furious that Paul Biya has won an eighth presidential term

Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has announced that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over accusations that he instigated "aggressive electoral rallies".

A minimum of four protesters have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between police and military and demonstrators since the presidential election on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth term in office.

Issa Tchiroma insists that he was the true winner, a assertion dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Violent crackdowns by law enforcement on demonstrators have alarmed the world leaders, with the UN, AU and European Union demanding caution.

Minister's Accusations

On Tuesday, Nji charged Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he referred to as "unauthorized" rallies resulting in the loss of lives, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.

He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also be prosecuted.

Vote Outcome

Cameroon's leader, who took control in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, obtained the 12 October presidential election with a majority of the ballots, compared to 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the constitutional court.

Challenger's Position

Tchiroma Bakary is remains silent to the authorities' move to prosecute him, but he had earlier announced that he rejected a fraudulent outcome - and that he was not afraid of being taken into custody.

When results were announced, he claimed that security forces shot on demonstrators present near his house in Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 civilians.

Inquiry Launched

On Tuesday, the government official revealed that an inquiry would be initiated into violent incidents before and after the announcement of the poll figures.

"During these attacks, some of the individuals involved died," he commented, without giving a precise figure of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the incidents.

Nji further mentioned that multiple officers of the police and military also sustained serious injuries.

Current Situation

Even though the interior minister maintained the state of affairs throughout Cameroon was now under control, demonstrators are still demonstrating in certain regions of the nation, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators established roadblocks on that day, and ignited tires on the roads.

Observers caution that the political turmoil could lead the country into a governmental instability.

Chloe Thompson
Chloe Thompson

A tech journalist and digital strategist with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and consumer electronics.