Cameroonian Political Opposition Leader Confronts Legal Action Regarding Post-Election Violence, Government Announces

Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has declared that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over allegations that he instigated "violent election protests".

At least four demonstrators have been lost their lives during skirmishes between law enforcement and opposition supporters since the electoral process on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.

The opposition leader maintains that he was the true winner, a assertion disputed by the incumbent party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Violent crackdowns by law enforcement on protesters have concerned the world leaders, with the United Nations, AU and European Union urging restraint.

Minister's Claims

Recently, Nji charged Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he referred to as "illegal" demonstrations causing the deaths, and also condemned him for claiming win in the electoral contest.

He further stated that the opposition leader's "accomplices involved in an subversive plot" will also undergo judicial processes.

Poll Figures

Paul Biya, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, won the October 12 presidential election with 53.7% of the votes, compared to a significant minority for Tchiroma Bakary, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Challenger's Position

The opposition figure is remains silent to the government's decision to try him, but he had earlier declared that he rejected a stolen vote - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.

When results were announced, he reported that security forces used lethal force on demonstrators assembled near his house in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least two civilians.

Investigation Announced

Earlier this week, the interior minister announced that an investigation would be started into violent incidents prior to and following the declaration of the election results.

"Throughout the violence, some of the criminals died," he commented, without offering a specific number of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the confrontations.

The minister added that multiple personnel of the security forces also suffered major harm.

Present Conditions

While Nji insisted the state of affairs nationwide was now under control, demonstrators are still demonstrating in various areas of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters established roadblocks on that day, and ignited rubber on the thoroughfares.

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