Cameroon Opposition Figure Confronts Court Action Concerning Post-Election Violence, Government Says

Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has stated that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he incited "aggressive electoral rallies".

A minimum of four protesters have been killed during clashes between law enforcement and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya securing an eighth presidential mandate.

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

Forceful measures by security personnel on demonstrators have concerned the global community, with the United Nations, AU and EU urging moderation.

Official's Claims

Earlier this week, Nji charged Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he labeled "illegal" protests causing the fatalities, and also condemned him for announcing success in the election.

He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also be prosecuted.

Election Results

Cameroon's leader, who came to power in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, secured the October 12 vote with 53.7% of the votes, compared to 35.2% for his opponent, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Opposition Response

Tchiroma Bakary is remains silent to the authorities' move to prosecute him, but he had before stated that he would not accept a rigged election - and that he was not afraid of being detained.

When results were announced, he said that gunmen used lethal force on protesters present near his residence in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least two civilians.

Inquiry Launched

Recently, the interior minister revealed that an probe would be initiated into unrest before and after the announcement of the election results.

"During these attacks, some of the individuals involved died," he said, without offering a precise figure of protesters who have been killed in the incidents.

Nji noted that several members of the law enforcement also sustained significant wounds.

Present Conditions

Even though the interior minister maintained the situation across the country was now stable, demonstrators remain active in various areas of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators established roadblocks on that day, and burnt tires on the thoroughfares.

Analysts warn that the post-electoral violence could plunge the country into a leadership vacuum.