Cameroon Political Opposition Figure Faces Legal Action Regarding Post-Election Violence, Government Declares

The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has stated that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over allegations that he instigated "aggressive election protests".

No fewer than four demonstrators have been killed during skirmishes between police and military and demonstrators since Cameroon's election on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 securing an eighth term in office.

Issa Tchiroma asserts that he emerged victorious, a assertion rejected by the governing party, the CPDM.

Violent crackdowns by security personnel on protesters have worried the world leaders, with the United Nations, AU and European Union demanding moderation.

Official's Accusations

On Tuesday, the interior minister alleged the opposition figure of planning what he described as "unauthorized" rallies causing the deaths, and also rebuked him for declaring victory in the presidential race.

He added that the opposition leader's "associates involved in an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.

Election Results

The president, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, secured the 12 October vote with a majority of the ballots, compared to 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.

Challenger's Position

Tchiroma Bakary is has not yet commented to the official announcement to try him, but he had before announced that he refused to acknowledge a rigged election - and that he was not afraid of being arrested.

When results were announced, he said that gunmen opened fire on demonstrators assembled near his residence in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least two individuals.

Investigation Launched

Recently, the government official disclosed that an investigation would be started into unrest prior to and following the publication of the vote outcome.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals were killed," he stated, without providing a precise figure of demonstrators who have been killed in the incidents.

Nji noted that multiple personnel of the law enforcement also received serious injuries.

Present Conditions

While Nji maintained the state of affairs nationwide was now manageable, protesters are still demonstrating in various areas of the nation, especially in these two cities, where protesters mounted barricades on Tuesday, and ignited tires on the roads.

Observers caution that the post-electoral violence could lead the nation into a political crisis.