Cameroonian Opposition Leader to Face Legal Action Regarding Election Unrest, Government Declares

Election Protest in Cameroon
Many in Cameroon are furious over the fact that Paul Biya has won an eighth presidential term

Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has announced that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he instigated "aggressive electoral rallies".

At least 4 protesters have been lost their lives during skirmishes between police and military and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya obtaining an eighth term in office.

Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he won the election, a claim rejected by the incumbent party, the CPDM.

Violent crackdowns by security personnel on protesters have alarmed the global community, with the UN, AU and European Union urging restraint.

Minister's Allegations

Recently, the interior minister alleged the opposition figure of coordinating what he labeled "unauthorized" demonstrations leading to the loss of lives, and also criticised him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.

He further stated that the opposition leader's "accomplices responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action.

Election Results

The president, who took control in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, secured the 12 October election with a majority of the vote, compared to just over a third for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.

Opposition Response

The opposition figure is remains silent to the government's decision to try him, but he had earlier stated that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.

On election result day, he claimed that gunmen opened fire on protesters present near his house in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 civilians.

Inquiry Revealed

Earlier this week, the government official revealed that an inquiry would be launched into violent incidents before and after the publication of the vote outcome.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the perpetrators died," he commented, without offering a precise figure of protesters who have been killed in the incidents.

The minister further mentioned that several members of the law enforcement also received significant wounds.

Ongoing Circumstances

Even though Nji insisted the condition across the country was now under control, protesters remain active in certain regions of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators mounted barricades on that day, and burnt tires on the thoroughfares.

Observers caution that the post-electoral violence could push the country into a political crisis.

Brandon Russo
Brandon Russo

A financial analyst with over a decade of experience in precious metals markets, specializing in global economic impacts on commodity prices.

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