Cameroon Political Opposition Leader Confronts Legal Action Concerning Electoral Turmoil, Government Announces

Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has stated that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he provoked "violent post-election demonstrations".

At least four protesters have been killed during clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators since the electoral process on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.

The opposition leader asserts that he won the election, a statement disputed by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.

Forceful measures by police and security officers on demonstrators have worried the global community, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union calling for restraint.

Minister's Accusations

On Tuesday, Nji accused the opposition figure of coordinating what he described as "unlawful" demonstrations resulting in the loss of lives, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the presidential race.

He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates involved in an insurrectionary plan" will also be prosecuted.

Poll Figures

Cameroon's leader, who took control in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, obtained the 12 October election with 53.7% of the vote, compared to 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the constitutional court.

Leader's Stance

Tchiroma Bakary is remains silent to the official announcement to bring him to court, but he had earlier stated that he rejected a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being detained.

On election result day, he reported that gunmen shot on protesters gathered near his house in Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 individuals.

Inquiry Revealed

Earlier this week, the interior minister revealed that an investigation would be launched into clashes surrounding the publication of the election results.

"During these attacks, some of the criminals died," he stated, without offering a exact count of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the clashes.

Nji further mentioned that several officers of the law enforcement also received serious injuries.

Current Situation

While Nji insisted the state of affairs nationwide was now manageable, demonstrators continue to protest in certain regions of the country, especially in these two cities, where protesters established roadblocks on Tuesday, and burnt tires on the roads.

Observers alert that the election-related unrest could lead the country into a political crisis.