Cameroon Political Opposition Figure to Face Legal Action Over Electoral Turmoil, Authorities Says

Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has declared that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over allegations that he instigated "aggressive electoral rallies".

A minimum of 4 protesters have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between law enforcement and protesters since the electoral process on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya securing an eighth term in office.

Tchiroma Bakary insists that he emerged victorious, a statement rejected by the governing party, the ruling CPDM.

Aggressive responses by police and security officers on protesters have concerned the international community, with the UN, African Union and European Union calling for moderation.

Official's Accusations

On Tuesday, Nji charged the opposition figure of planning what he described as "unauthorized" demonstrations leading to the deaths, and also criticised him for declaring victory in the presidential race.

He further stated that the opposition leader's "accomplices responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.

Vote Outcome

Cameroon's leader, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the October 12 election with 53.7% of the votes, compared to just over a third for his opponent, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Leader's Stance

Tchiroma Bakary is remains silent to the government's decision to prosecute him, but he had previously declared that he rejected a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being detained.

When results were announced, he reported that gunmen opened fire on demonstrators gathered near his home in Garoua, killing at least two people.

Investigation Announced

Earlier this week, the government official revealed that an inquiry would be started into violent incidents prior to and following the publication of the vote outcome.

"Throughout the violence, some of the criminals lost their lives," he said, without giving a exact count of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the clashes.

Nji further mentioned that several personnel of the police and military also suffered major harm.

Present Conditions

Although Nji maintained the condition throughout Cameroon was now manageable, protesters remain active in various areas of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters mounted roadblocks on that day, and set fire to tires on the thoroughfares.

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