🔗 Share this article

The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has declared that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over accusations that he instigated "aggressive electoral rallies".

At least 4 protesters have been lost their lives during clashes between police and military and protesters since the electoral process on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth term in office.

Tchiroma Bakary insists that he was the true winner, a assertion rejected by the governing party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Aggressive responses by law enforcement on protesters have worried the world leaders, with the United Nations, African Union and EU urging moderation.

Minister's Claims

On Tuesday, the interior minister alleged Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he described as "illegal" rallies causing the fatalities, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the presidential race.

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

Vote Outcome

Cameroon's leader, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, secured the October 12 election with a majority of the ballots, compared to just over a third for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.

Leader's Stance

Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the authorities' move to prosecute him, but he had earlier declared that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.

Following the vote count, he claimed that security forces used lethal force on protesters assembled near his home in the city of Garoua, killing at least two individuals.

Investigation Revealed

Earlier this week, the interior minister disclosed that an inquiry would be initiated into violent incidents prior to and following the announcement of the election results.

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

The minister added that several members of the security forces also received significant wounds.

Current Situation

Even though the interior minister asserted the situation nationwide was now stable, demonstrators continue to protest in some parts of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters set up barricades on Tuesday, and ignited tires on the thoroughfares.

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