Cameroonian Political Opposition Figure to Face Legal Proceedings Over Election Unrest, Authorities Declares

The nation's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has announced that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over claims that he incited "aggressive post-election demonstrations".

At least four demonstrators have been fatally wounded during confrontations between law enforcement and protesters since Cameroon's election on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya winning an eighth term in office.

Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he emerged victorious, a claim rejected by the incumbent party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Forceful measures by police and security officers on demonstrators have alarmed the world leaders, with the UN, African Union and EU urging moderation.

Minister's Claims

Recently, the interior minister charged the opposition figure of planning what he labeled "unlawful" demonstrations causing the deaths, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the election.

He added that the opposition leader's "accomplices involved in an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.

Election Results

Paul Biya, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the 12 October election with 53.7% of the votes, compared to a significant minority for his opponent, according to the constitutional court.

Opposition Response

Issa Tchiroma is has not yet commented to the government's decision to prosecute him, but he had earlier stated that he refused to acknowledge a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.

Following the vote count, he claimed that gunmen used lethal force on demonstrators present near his home in the city of Garoua, killing at least two people.

Investigation Announced

Earlier this week, the interior minister announced that an inquiry would be started into violent incidents before and after the declaration of the election results.

"Throughout the violence, some of the criminals lost their lives," he said, without offering a precise figure of protesters who have been fatally injured in the clashes.

Nji noted that a number of personnel of the security forces also received significant wounds.

Ongoing Circumstances

While the interior minister asserted the state of affairs across the country was now stable, demonstrators continue to protest in certain regions of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators mounted roadblocks on that day, and burnt tires on the streets.

Experts warn that the post-electoral violence could plunge the country into a political crisis.