Cameroonian Political Opposition Figure Faces Legal Proceedings Over Election Unrest, Government Declares

Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has stated that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over allegations that he incited "violent election protests".

A minimum of 4 protesters have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between security forces and opposition supporters since the presidential election on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state securing an eighth presidential mandate.

The opposition leader maintains that he emerged victorious, a claim dismissed by the governing party, the CPDM.

Aggressive responses by security personnel on demonstrators have alarmed the global community, with the United Nations, AU and EU calling for restraint.

Minister's Accusations

Earlier this week, the interior minister accused Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he referred to as "unlawful" protests resulting in the fatalities, and also criticised him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.

He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates involved in an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.

Poll Figures

Paul Biya, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, won the October 12 election with 53.7% of the votes, compared to a significant minority for the challenger, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Challenger's Position

The opposition figure is has not yet commented to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had earlier announced that he rejected a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being taken into custody.

When results were announced, he reported that security forces shot on protesters assembled near his residence in Garoua, causing the death of at least two individuals.

Investigation Launched

On Tuesday, the interior minister announced that an inquiry would be launched into violent incidents before and after the announcement of the poll figures.

"Throughout the violence, some of the individuals involved were killed," he commented, without offering a exact count of protesters who have been fatally injured in the clashes.

The minister further mentioned that a number of members of the law enforcement also received significant wounds.

Ongoing Circumstances

While the interior minister asserted the condition nationwide was now under control, demonstrators continue to protest in various areas of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters mounted barricades on Tuesday, and burnt tyres on the roads.

Observers warn that the political turmoil could lead the nation into a political crisis.