Cameroon Political Opposition Figure Faces Court Action Over Post-Election Violence, Government Announces

The nation's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has announced that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over allegations that he instigated "violent electoral rallies".

No fewer than 4 demonstrators have been lost their lives during confrontations between police and military and opposition supporters since the presidential election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state securing an eighth term in office.

Issa Tchiroma insists that he was the true winner, a assertion rejected by the governing party, the CPDM.

Violent crackdowns by security personnel on protesters have worried the international community, with the UN, African Union and European Union urging moderation.

Official's Accusations

Earlier this week, Nji accused the opposition figure of planning what he labeled "unauthorized" demonstrations leading to the deaths, and also criticised him for declaring victory in the election.

He added that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action.

Election Results

The president, who came to power in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, secured the October 12 election with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.

Challenger's Position

The opposition figure is has not yet commented to the official announcement to prosecute him, but he had previously stated that he refused to acknowledge a fraudulent outcome - and that he was fearless of being arrested.

Following the vote count, he reported that security forces used lethal force on protesters assembled near his residence in the city of Garoua, killing at least two people.

Inquiry Announced

On Tuesday, the interior minister disclosed that an investigation would be initiated into clashes before and after the declaration of the vote outcome.

"During these attacks, some of the perpetrators died," he said, without providing a precise figure of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the confrontations.

Nji added that a number of members of the police and military also suffered major harm.

Current Situation

Even though the interior minister insisted the condition nationwide was now under control, demonstrators are still demonstrating in various areas of the country, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators mounted obstructions on that day, and set fire to tyres on the streets.

Experts caution that the post-electoral violence could lead the country into a governmental instability.