Cameroonian Opposition Leader Faces Legal Action Regarding Election Unrest, Government Says

Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has stated that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over accusations that he instigated "aggressive election protests".

No fewer than four protesters have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between police and military and protesters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya securing an eighth term in office.

The opposition leader insists that he won the election, a assertion dismissed by the governing party, the CPDM.

Violent crackdowns by law enforcement on demonstrators have alarmed the world leaders, with the UN, AU and EU demanding caution.

Minister's Claims

Earlier this week, the interior minister charged Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he described as "unauthorized" protests causing the loss of lives, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the electoral contest.

He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates involved in an subversive plot" will also face legal action.

Vote Outcome

Cameroon's leader, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, secured the October 12 election with a majority of the ballots, compared to 35.2% for the challenger, according to the electoral authority.

Opposition Response

Issa Tchiroma is has not yet commented to the authorities' move to prosecute him, but he had earlier stated that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being detained.

On election result day, he reported that armed men shot on protesters present near his house in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 individuals.

Investigation Launched

Recently, the interior minister disclosed that an investigation would be initiated into clashes surrounding the announcement of the election results.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the individuals involved died," he stated, without giving a exact count of protesters who have been lost their lives in the confrontations.

The minister noted that a number of members of the security forces also suffered major harm.

Ongoing Circumstances

Although the interior minister asserted the condition throughout Cameroon was now stable, protesters continue to protest in various areas of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators established obstructions on that day, and set fire to tires on the roads.

Experts caution that the political turmoil could lead the nation into a political crisis.