Cameroon Opposition Leader Confronts Court Action Over Election Unrest, Government Declares

Election Demonstration in Cameroon
Numerous in Cameroon express anger over the fact that Paul Biya has secured an eighth term

The nation's Interior Minister the interior minister has announced that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he incited "aggressive election protests".

At least four protesters have been lost their lives during clashes between police and military and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 winning an eighth presidential mandate.

Tchiroma Bakary asserts that he emerged victorious, a claim rejected by the incumbent party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Forceful measures by police and security officers on demonstrators have worried the international community, with the United Nations, African Union and EU calling for caution.

Official's Claims

Earlier this week, Nji charged Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he described as "unlawful" rallies leading to the deaths, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the presidential race.

He noted that the opposition leader's "accomplices behind an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action.

Election Results

Paul Biya, who took control in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, obtained the October 12 vote with a majority of the votes, compared to 35.2% for the challenger, according to the electoral authority.

Challenger's Position

Tchiroma Bakary is remains silent to the authorities' move to bring him to court, but he had before announced that he would not accept a rigged election - and that he was not afraid of being detained.

On election result day, he said that security forces shot on demonstrators present near his house in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 individuals.

Inquiry Announced

On Tuesday, the interior minister announced that an probe would be initiated into unrest surrounding the publication of the election results.

"Throughout the violence, some of the criminals were killed," he commented, without providing a precise figure of protesters who have been killed in the incidents.

Nji added that multiple members of the police and military also sustained major harm.

Ongoing Circumstances

While Nji insisted the condition throughout Cameroon was now under control, demonstrators continue to protest in certain regions of the nation, especially in urban centers, where protesters mounted obstructions on Tuesday, and ignited tyres on the thoroughfares.

Analysts caution that the election-related unrest could push the country into a governmental instability.

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