Cameroon Political Opposition Figure Faces Court Action Concerning Post-Election Violence, Government Declares

Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has declared that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over claims that he instigated "violent electoral rallies".

At least four demonstrators have been killed during skirmishes between security forces and protesters since Cameroon's election on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state obtaining an eighth term in office.

The opposition leader asserts that he emerged victorious, a assertion dismissed by the incumbent party, the ruling CPDM.

Forceful measures by security personnel on protesters have alarmed the international community, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union calling for restraint.

Minister's Allegations

Earlier this week, Nji charged Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he referred to as "unauthorized" demonstrations causing the fatalities, and also criticised him for declaring victory in the presidential race.

He further stated that the opposition leader's "associates behind an insurrectionary plan" will also undergo judicial processes.

Vote Outcome

The president, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the October 12 vote with over half of the vote, compared to 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Leader's Stance

Issa Tchiroma is yet to respond to the official announcement to try him, but he had before stated that he refused to acknowledge a rigged election - and that he was not afraid of being detained.

On election result day, he said that security forces shot on protesters present near his residence in the city of Garoua, killing at least 2 individuals.

Investigation Revealed

Recently, the interior minister disclosed that an investigation would be started into unrest before and after the declaration of the poll figures.

"During these attacks, some of the criminals were killed," he stated, without offering a precise figure of protesters who have been lost their lives in the incidents.

The minister further mentioned that several personnel of the security forces also received major harm.

Current Situation

Although the interior minister asserted the state of affairs throughout Cameroon was now under control, protesters remain active in various areas of the nation, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators established roadblocks on Tuesday, and ignited rubber on the thoroughfares.

Analysts alert that the political turmoil could plunge the nation into a political crisis.