🔗 Share this article

Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has stated that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over allegations that he incited "violent election protests".

A minimum of four demonstrators have been lost their lives during skirmishes between law enforcement and opposition supporters since the electoral process on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 winning an eighth term in office.

Tchiroma Bakary insists that he was the true winner, a claim disputed by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.

Forceful measures by police and security officers on protesters have alarmed the global community, with the UN, African Union and EU demanding moderation.

Official's Allegations

Recently, Nji accused the opposition figure of planning what he referred to as "unauthorized" protests leading to the loss of lives, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.

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

Election Results

The president, who took control in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the October 12 election with a majority of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for his opponent, according to the electoral authority.

Challenger's Position

Issa Tchiroma is has not yet commented to the government's decision to prosecute him, but he had before announced that he rejected a stolen vote - and that he was undaunted of being taken into custody.

When results were announced, he reported that gunmen used lethal force on demonstrators assembled near his house in the city of Garoua, killing at least two people.

Investigation Revealed

Recently, the government official announced that an inquiry would be started into violent incidents prior to and following the publication of the vote outcome.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals were killed," he commented, without providing a exact count of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the clashes.

Nji noted that several personnel of the law enforcement also received significant wounds.

Ongoing Circumstances

While the interior minister insisted the condition nationwide was now under control, demonstrators continue to protest in various areas of the nation, especially in urban centers, where protesters established barricades on Tuesday, and set fire to tyres on the roads.

Analysts alert that the election-related unrest could plunge the country into a political crisis.