🔗 Share this article

Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has announced that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he instigated "violent post-election demonstrations".

At least four protesters have been killed during clashes between law enforcement and protesters since Cameroon's election on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.

Issa Tchiroma maintains that he emerged victorious, a claim rejected by Biya's ruling party, the ruling CPDM.

Aggressive responses by security personnel on protesters have worried the global community, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union calling for moderation.

Minister's Claims

Earlier this week, the interior minister alleged Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he labeled "unauthorized" demonstrations causing the deaths, and also condemned him for announcing success in the election.

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

Vote Outcome

The president, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the 12 October election with 53.7% of the votes, compared to 35.2% for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.

Challenger's Position

Tchiroma Bakary is yet to respond to the official announcement to bring him to court, but he had earlier announced that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was undaunted of being taken into custody.

On election result day, he claimed that gunmen shot on demonstrators present near his residence in Garoua, causing the death of at least two people.

Inquiry Announced

Earlier this week, the government official disclosed that an inquiry would be initiated into unrest surrounding the publication of the vote outcome.

"During these attacks, some of the perpetrators were killed," he commented, without giving a precise figure of protesters who have been fatally injured in the incidents.

The minister added that a number of members of the law enforcement also suffered significant wounds.

Ongoing Circumstances

Although Nji insisted the condition across the country was now stable, demonstrators remain active in various areas of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters set up roadblocks on that day, and ignited rubber on the roads.

Experts caution that the political turmoil could push the country into a leadership vacuum.