Cameroon Political Opposition Figure Faces Legal Proceedings Over Election Unrest, Government Says

The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has declared that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over accusations that he instigated "aggressive election protests".

No fewer than 4 protesters have been killed during skirmishes between police and military and demonstrators since Cameroon's election on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state obtaining an eighth consecutive term.

The opposition leader asserts that he emerged victorious, a statement rejected by the incumbent party, the CPDM.

Violent crackdowns by law enforcement on protesters have concerned the international community, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union demanding caution.

Official's Claims

Recently, the interior minister charged the opposition figure of coordinating what he labeled "unlawful" rallies causing the fatalities, and also rebuked him for declaring victory in the election.

He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates responsible for an subversive plot" will also undergo judicial processes.

Poll Figures

Paul Biya, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, won the October 12 election with over half of the votes, compared to 35.2% for his opponent, according to the constitutional court.

Challenger's Position

Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the government's decision to prosecute him, but he had previously stated that he refused to acknowledge a fraudulent outcome - and that he was not afraid of being arrested.

When results were announced, he said that gunmen opened fire on demonstrators present near his house in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 people.

Probe Launched

On Tuesday, the interior minister disclosed that an investigation would be initiated into violent incidents prior to and following the announcement of the vote outcome.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the perpetrators were killed," he commented, without providing a specific number of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the clashes.

The minister noted that a number of members of the police and military also sustained serious injuries.

Present Conditions

Although the interior minister asserted the state of affairs throughout Cameroon was now stable, protesters continue to protest in certain regions of the country, especially in these two cities, where protesters set up obstructions on that day, and set fire to rubber on the streets.

Analysts caution that the election-related unrest could lead the nation into a governmental instability.