Cameroonian Political Opposition Leader to Face Legal Action Regarding Electoral Turmoil, Authorities Says

The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has declared that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over allegations that he incited "violent post-election demonstrations".

A minimum of 4 demonstrators have been killed during skirmishes between security forces and opposition supporters since the presidential election on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.

Issa Tchiroma maintains that he was the true winner, a claim disputed by the incumbent party, the ruling CPDM.

Aggressive responses by police and security officers on demonstrators have concerned the global community, with the United Nations, African Union and EU urging moderation.

Official's Claims

On Tuesday, the interior minister accused the opposition figure of coordinating what he described as "unauthorized" demonstrations leading to the fatalities, and also rebuked him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.

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

Election Results

Cameroon's leader, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, obtained the October 12 presidential election with over half of the ballots, compared to just over a third for his opponent, according to the electoral authority.

Challenger's Position

Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had before announced that he would not accept a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being taken into custody.

When results were announced, he reported that gunmen opened fire on demonstrators gathered near his house in Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 civilians.

Inquiry Announced

Recently, the government official revealed that an investigation would be started into violent incidents before and after the publication of the vote outcome.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the perpetrators were killed," he commented, without offering a specific number of demonstrators who have been killed in the incidents.

The minister further mentioned that multiple members of the security forces also suffered serious injuries.

Current Situation

While the interior minister insisted the condition across the country was now stable, demonstrators continue to protest in various areas of the nation, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators established roadblocks on Tuesday, and ignited rubber on the roads.

Experts warn that the election-related unrest could plunge the nation into a leadership vacuum.