Cameroonian Opposition Figure Confronts Court Action Over Election Unrest, Government Announces

Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has declared that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he provoked "aggressive electoral rallies".

A minimum of four protesters have been killed during skirmishes between law enforcement and protesters since Cameroon's election on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 securing an eighth presidential mandate.

Issa Tchiroma maintains that he emerged victorious, a assertion dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Forceful measures by security personnel on protesters have worried the world leaders, with the United Nations, AU and EU urging moderation.

Minister's Allegations

Earlier this week, Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he referred to as "unlawful" protests leading to the loss of lives, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the presidential race.

He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also be prosecuted.

Election Results

Paul Biya, who took control in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, won the 12 October election with a majority of the ballots, compared to just over a third for his opponent, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Leader's Stance

The opposition figure is yet to respond to the official announcement to try him, but he had earlier declared that he rejected a rigged election - and that he was fearless of being detained.

Following the vote count, he reported that security forces used lethal force on protesters gathered near his house in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least two people.

Inquiry Announced

On Tuesday, the interior minister announced that an investigation would be launched into unrest before and after the publication of the vote outcome.

"During these attacks, some of the criminals lost their lives," he stated, without offering a specific number of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the clashes.

Nji further mentioned that several members of the security forces also received serious injuries.

Current Situation

Although Nji maintained the situation throughout Cameroon was now stable, demonstrators remain active in certain regions of the nation, especially in urban centers, where protesters established obstructions on Tuesday, and ignited tyres on the roads.

Observers caution that the post-electoral violence could lead the nation into a political crisis.