Cameroonian Opposition Leader Confronts Court Action Over Post-Election Violence, Authorities Announces

The nation's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has declared that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over allegations that he provoked "violent electoral rallies".

At least 4 demonstrators have been killed during confrontations between security forces and demonstrators since the presidential election on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth presidential mandate.

Tchiroma Bakary insists that he was the true winner, a assertion dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.

Violent crackdowns by law enforcement on protesters have worried the international community, with the UN, AU and European Union demanding caution.

Official's Allegations

Recently, the interior minister charged the opposition figure of planning what he described as "illegal" rallies resulting in the loss of lives, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the electoral contest.

He further stated that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also undergo judicial processes.

Vote Outcome

The president, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, secured the 12 October election with 53.7% of the votes, compared to a significant minority for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.

Opposition Response

The opposition figure is yet to respond to the official announcement to prosecute him, but he had before declared that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being taken into custody.

On election result day, he claimed that security forces opened fire on demonstrators present near his house in Garoua, killing at least two people.

Probe Revealed

Recently, the interior minister announced that an inquiry would be started into unrest before and after the declaration of the election results.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the perpetrators died," he commented, without providing a specific number of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the clashes.

Nji noted that several personnel of the law enforcement also suffered serious injuries.

Current Situation

While the interior minister insisted the condition across the country was now stable, demonstrators remain active in various areas of the country, especially in urban centers, where protesters mounted obstructions on Tuesday, and burnt rubber on the streets.

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