Cameroonian Political Opposition Figure to Face Legal Action Over Electoral Turmoil, Government Announces

Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has declared that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over allegations that he provoked "violent election protests".

No fewer than 4 demonstrators have been killed during skirmishes between security forces and protesters since the electoral process on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya obtaining an eighth consecutive term.

Issa Tchiroma insists that he was the true winner, a assertion disputed by the governing party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Aggressive responses by police and security officers on protesters have concerned the world leaders, with the United Nations, AU and EU urging restraint.

Minister's Allegations

Recently, Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he labeled "unlawful" protests leading to the loss of lives, and also rebuked him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.

He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices behind an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.

Election Results

Paul Biya, who took control in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, secured the October 12 election with a majority of the vote, compared to a significant minority for his opponent, according to the constitutional court.

Leader's Stance

Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the authorities' move to try him, but he had previously stated that he rejected a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being taken into custody.

Following the vote count, he reported that armed men used lethal force on demonstrators assembled near his home in Garoua, fatally wounding at least two people.

Investigation Launched

On Tuesday, the interior minister announced that an probe would be launched into unrest surrounding the declaration of the vote outcome.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals lost their lives," he stated, without offering a specific number of protesters who have been fatally injured in the clashes.

Nji added that a number of personnel of the police and military also suffered significant wounds.

Current Situation

While the interior minister asserted the situation nationwide was now stable, protesters are still demonstrating in some parts of the country, especially in urban centers, where protesters set up roadblocks on Tuesday, and set fire to tyres on the streets.

Experts warn that the political turmoil could lead the nation into a governmental instability.