Cameroonian Political Opposition Leader Faces Legal Action Concerning Electoral Turmoil, Government Announces

Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has declared that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over allegations that he provoked "violent electoral rallies".

A minimum of four demonstrators have been fatally wounded during clashes between security forces and protesters since Cameroon's election on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state securing an eighth presidential mandate.

The opposition leader maintains that he won the election, a statement dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Forceful measures by police and security officers on demonstrators have alarmed the global community, with the United Nations, AU and EU demanding moderation.

Minister's Allegations

Recently, the interior minister accused Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he referred to as "unlawful" demonstrations leading to the loss of lives, and also rebuked him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.

He added that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators involved in an subversive plot" will also face legal action.

Poll Figures

Cameroon's leader, who took control in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, won the 12 October election with a majority of the ballots, compared to 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the constitutional court.

Opposition Response

Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the official announcement to bring him to court, but he had previously declared that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.

Following the vote count, he reported that security forces used lethal force on demonstrators gathered near his home in Garoua, killing at least 2 individuals.

Investigation Launched

On Tuesday, the government official disclosed that an inquiry would be started into violent incidents before and after the declaration of the poll figures.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the perpetrators lost their lives," he commented, without offering a precise figure of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the clashes.

The minister further mentioned that a number of officers of the police and military also sustained significant wounds.

Ongoing Circumstances

Although Nji asserted the situation throughout Cameroon was now under control, demonstrators remain active in various areas of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators mounted barricades on that day, and set fire to tires on the thoroughfares.

Experts alert that the political turmoil could lead the country into a governmental instability.