🔗 Share this article

Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has announced that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over accusations that he incited "violent election protests".

At least 4 protesters have been lost their lives during skirmishes between security forces and protesters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth consecutive term.

Tchiroma Bakary asserts that he was the true winner, a statement disputed by the governing party, the ruling CPDM.

Violent crackdowns by police and security officers on demonstrators have concerned the world leaders, with the UN, African Union and European Union urging moderation.

Minister's Allegations

On Tuesday, Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he labeled "unauthorized" rallies causing the loss of lives, and also criticised him for announcing success in the presidential race.

He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices behind an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action.

Vote Outcome

Paul Biya, who took control in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, won the October 12 vote with a majority of the votes, compared to a significant minority for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.

Opposition Response

Issa Tchiroma is has not yet commented to the official announcement to bring him to court, but he had previously declared that he refused to acknowledge a fraudulent outcome - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.

When results were announced, he reported that gunmen opened fire on protesters gathered near his home in Garoua, fatally wounding at least two civilians.

Investigation Revealed

Recently, the government official disclosed that an probe would be initiated into clashes before and after the declaration of the election results.

"During these attacks, some of the perpetrators died," he stated, without offering a specific number of protesters who have been lost their lives in the clashes.

Nji added that a number of members of the police and military also sustained major harm.

Current Situation

Although Nji insisted the condition throughout Cameroon was now manageable, protesters continue to protest in various areas of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators mounted roadblocks on Tuesday, and set fire to rubber on the thoroughfares.

Analysts caution that the political turmoil could plunge the nation into a governmental instability.