Cameroonian Opposition Leader Confronts Legal Proceedings Over Election Unrest, Government Announces

Election Protest in Cameroon
Many in Cameroon show outrage over the fact that the president has won an eighth term

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

At least four protesters have been fatally wounded during clashes between security forces and demonstrators since the electoral process on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state securing an eighth presidential mandate.

Issa Tchiroma insists that he emerged victorious, a claim dismissed by the governing party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Violent crackdowns by security personnel on protesters have worried the world leaders, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union urging moderation.

Minister's Claims

Recently, Nji alleged Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he referred to as "unlawful" protests causing the fatalities, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.

He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators responsible for an subversive plot" will also undergo judicial processes.

Vote Outcome

The president, who took control in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, won the October 12 presidential election with over half of the votes, compared to 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.

Opposition Response

Issa Tchiroma is has not yet commented to the official announcement to try him, but he had before declared that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.

On election result day, he claimed that security forces opened fire on protesters present near his home in Garoua, causing the death of at least two civilians.

Investigation Launched

On Tuesday, the interior minister revealed that an probe would be launched into violent incidents before and after the announcement of the election results.

"During these attacks, some of the individuals involved lost their lives," he said, without giving a exact count of demonstrators who have been killed in the clashes.

Nji further mentioned that several members of the law enforcement also sustained serious injuries.

Ongoing Circumstances

Even though the interior minister insisted the condition throughout Cameroon was now under control, protesters continue to protest in some parts of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators mounted roadblocks on Tuesday, and set fire to rubber on the streets.

Observers warn that the election-related unrest could push the country into a governmental instability.

Valerie Palmer
Valerie Palmer

Full-stack developer with over a decade of experience in JavaScript, React, and Node.js, passionate about teaching and open-source projects.