Cameroonian Political Opposition Leader Confronts Court Action Over Post-Election Violence, Government Declares

Election Demonstration in Cameroon
Numerous in Cameroon show outrage that the president has secured an eighth term

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

At least four demonstrators have been fatally wounded during confrontations between police and military and opposition supporters since the electoral process on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth term in office.

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

Violent crackdowns by police and security officers on protesters have alarmed the world leaders, with the UN, AU and European Union demanding moderation.

Minister's Claims

Recently, Nji charged Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he described as "illegal" rallies causing the loss of lives, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the presidential race.

He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices involved in an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.

Poll Figures

Paul Biya, who took control in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, won the 12 October presidential election with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to just over a third for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.

Leader's Stance

Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had previously declared that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.

On election result day, he claimed that security forces opened fire on demonstrators assembled near his home in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 individuals.

Investigation Announced

Recently, the interior minister revealed that an investigation would be started into violent incidents before and after the publication of the vote outcome.

"Throughout the violence, some of the individuals involved died," he stated, without providing a specific number of protesters who have been killed in the confrontations.

The minister added that multiple personnel of the police and military also received serious injuries.

Ongoing Circumstances

While the interior minister asserted the state of affairs across the country was now manageable, demonstrators are still demonstrating in certain regions of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators set up obstructions on that day, and set fire to rubber on the streets.

Experts warn that the political turmoil could push the nation into a political crisis.

Laura Mcdaniel
Laura Mcdaniel

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in casino strategy and jackpot hunting across European markets.