🔗 Share this article

The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has stated that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he instigated "aggressive post-election demonstrations".

No fewer than four protesters have been killed during clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth presidential mandate.

The opposition leader asserts that he was the true winner, a assertion rejected by Biya's ruling party, the ruling CPDM.

Violent crackdowns by police and security officers on demonstrators have worried the world leaders, with the United Nations, African Union and EU calling for caution.

Official's Allegations

On Tuesday, Nji charged Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he described as "unlawful" demonstrations causing the loss of lives, and also criticised him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.

He noted that the opposition leader's "accomplices behind an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.

Vote Outcome

Cameroon's leader, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, won the 12 October presidential election with 53.7% of the vote, compared to a significant minority for the challenger, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Challenger's Position

Tchiroma Bakary is yet to respond to the authorities' move to bring him to court, but he had before stated that he refused to acknowledge a fraudulent outcome - and that he was not afraid of being detained.

Following the vote count, he claimed that gunmen used lethal force on protesters present near his home in Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 civilians.

Inquiry Revealed

Earlier this week, the interior minister disclosed that an probe would be initiated into unrest surrounding the publication of the vote outcome.

"Throughout the violence, some of the criminals died," he said, without giving a specific number of protesters who have been lost their lives in the confrontations.

Nji further mentioned that a number of personnel of the law enforcement also suffered major harm.

Present Conditions

While the interior minister insisted the situation nationwide was now under control, demonstrators are still demonstrating in certain regions of the nation, especially in urban centers, where protesters established roadblocks on that day, and burnt rubber on the roads.

Observers warn that the election-related unrest could lead the nation into a leadership vacuum.