Cameroonian Political Opposition Figure Confronts Court Action Regarding Post-Election Violence, Authorities Says

The nation's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has announced that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over allegations that he provoked "aggressive electoral rallies".

At least 4 protesters have been fatally wounded during clashes between police and military and protesters since Cameroon's election on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 winning an eighth term in office.

The opposition leader asserts that he won the election, a claim disputed by the governing party, the CPDM.

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

Official's Accusations

Recently, the interior minister charged Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he labeled "unlawful" rallies resulting in the loss of lives, and also criticised him for announcing success in the election.

He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices involved in an subversive plot" will also face legal action.

Vote Outcome

The president, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the October 12 election with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to just over a third for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the constitutional court.

Challenger's Position

The opposition figure is remains silent to the government's decision to prosecute him, but he had earlier announced that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being detained.

On election result day, he reported that gunmen used lethal force on protesters gathered near his residence in the city of Garoua, killing at least two civilians.

Probe Announced

Recently, the government official revealed that an probe would be started into violent incidents surrounding the announcement of the poll figures.

"During these attacks, some of the individuals involved were killed," he commented, without offering a specific number of demonstrators who have been killed in the incidents.

Nji further mentioned that a number of personnel of the law enforcement also suffered serious injuries.

Present Conditions

While the interior minister asserted the condition nationwide was now under control, demonstrators remain active in certain regions of the country, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators established obstructions on that day, and set fire to tyres on the thoroughfares.

Observers warn that the political turmoil could lead the country into a governmental instability.