🔗 Share this article

The nation's Interior Minister the interior minister has stated that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over accusations that he incited "aggressive post-election demonstrations".

No fewer than four demonstrators have been lost their lives during skirmishes between police and military and opposition supporters since the presidential election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth term in office.

Issa Tchiroma maintains that he was the true winner, a statement dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Forceful measures by law enforcement on protesters have alarmed the world leaders, with the UN, AU and EU calling for restraint.

Official's Claims

Earlier this week, the interior minister charged the opposition figure of planning what he described as "unauthorized" rallies leading to the loss of lives, and also rebuked him for declaring victory in the presidential race.

He further stated that the opposition leader's "associates behind an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.

Vote Outcome

Cameroon's leader, who took control in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the 12 October vote with a majority of the votes, compared to 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Leader's Stance

Tchiroma Bakary is remains silent to the government's decision to try him, but he had earlier announced that he refused to acknowledge a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.

Following the vote count, he claimed that armed men shot on demonstrators present near his house in Garoua, killing at least two civilians.

Probe Announced

Recently, the interior minister revealed that an probe would be started into unrest before and after the publication of the election results.

"During these attacks, some of the criminals died," he said, without providing a precise figure of protesters who have been killed in the clashes.

Nji noted that several officers of the law enforcement also suffered serious injuries.

Present Conditions

Although the interior minister insisted the situation nationwide was now stable, protesters remain active in some parts of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters mounted barricades on that day, and ignited rubber on the thoroughfares.

Experts warn that the election-related unrest could lead the country into a governmental instability.