Cameroonian Political Opposition Figure Faces Legal Action Over Post-Election Violence, Government Announces

The nation's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has declared that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over accusations that he incited "aggressive post-election demonstrations".

No fewer than four demonstrators have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between security forces and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth consecutive term.

Issa Tchiroma insists that he was the true winner, a statement disputed by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.

Forceful measures by security personnel on protesters have concerned the international community, with the UN, African Union and European Union urging moderation.

Official's Claims

Earlier this week, the interior minister charged the opposition figure of organising what he referred to as "unauthorized" rallies causing the fatalities, and also rebuked him for declaring victory in the election.

He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators responsible for an subversive plot" will also face legal action.

Poll Figures

Cameroon's leader, who took control in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, won the 12 October presidential election with a majority of the vote, compared to just over a third for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.

Opposition Response

Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the authorities' move to prosecute him, but he had previously stated that he rejected a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being arrested.

When results were announced, he reported that security forces shot on protesters gathered near his house in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least two individuals.

Inquiry Announced

Recently, the government official disclosed that an inquiry would be started into violent incidents surrounding the publication of the vote outcome.

"During these attacks, some of the criminals died," he commented, without giving a specific number of protesters who have been lost their lives in the incidents.

Nji noted that multiple members of the police and military also received significant wounds.

Ongoing Circumstances

Although Nji asserted the condition nationwide was now manageable, demonstrators are still demonstrating in some parts of the nation, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators mounted obstructions on that day, and burnt rubber on the roads.

Observers caution that the election-related unrest could lead the country into a governmental instability.