🔗 Share this article

Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has stated that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over claims that he incited "violent electoral rallies".

A minimum of 4 demonstrators have been lost their lives during skirmishes between police and military and protesters since Cameroon's election on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya winning an eighth presidential mandate.

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

Aggressive responses by law enforcement on demonstrators have worried the international community, with the UN, African Union and EU demanding restraint.

Official's Accusations

Earlier this week, the interior minister charged the opposition figure of planning what he referred to as "unlawful" rallies resulting in the deaths, and also criticised him for announcing success in the presidential race.

He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices involved in an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action.

Poll Figures

Cameroon's leader, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, secured the 12 October election with a majority of the vote, compared to a significant minority for his opponent, according to the electoral authority.

Opposition Response

The opposition figure is remains silent to the official announcement to try him, but he had before stated that he would not accept a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being taken into custody.

When results were announced, he reported that gunmen used lethal force on protesters present near his residence in the city of Garoua, killing at least 2 individuals.

Inquiry Announced

Recently, the interior minister announced that an inquiry would be started into clashes prior to and following the publication of the vote outcome.

"Throughout the violence, some of the perpetrators lost their lives," he stated, without providing a precise figure of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the incidents.

The minister further mentioned that several officers of the law enforcement also suffered significant wounds.

Ongoing Circumstances

While Nji insisted the state of affairs across the country was now stable, protesters remain active in some parts of the country, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators set up roadblocks on that day, and ignited tires on the thoroughfares.

Experts warn that the political turmoil could lead the nation into a leadership vacuum.