🔗 Share this article

The nation's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has stated that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over claims that he provoked "aggressive electoral rallies".

At least four protesters have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between law enforcement and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth consecutive term.

The opposition leader asserts that he won the election, a statement dismissed by the incumbent party, the CPDM.

Aggressive responses by law enforcement on demonstrators have worried the international community, with the UN, African Union and European Union demanding caution.

Minister's Allegations

Earlier this week, Nji accused the opposition figure of organising what he referred to as "illegal" demonstrations leading to the fatalities, and also criticised him for announcing success in the presidential race.

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

Vote Outcome

The president, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, secured the October 12 presidential election with over half of the ballots, compared to 35.2% for his opponent, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Leader's Stance

The opposition figure is yet to respond to the authorities' move to prosecute him, but he had earlier stated that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being detained.

When results were announced, he claimed that armed men used lethal force on demonstrators gathered near his home in Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 individuals.

Inquiry Launched

Earlier this week, the interior minister revealed that an investigation would be initiated into unrest before and after the publication of the election results.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals died," he stated, without offering a specific number of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the incidents.

The minister added that several personnel of the law enforcement also suffered significant wounds.

Current Situation

Although Nji maintained the state of affairs throughout Cameroon was now under control, protesters remain active in various areas of the country, especially in these two cities, where protesters mounted roadblocks on Tuesday, and burnt tires on the streets.

Experts caution that the election-related unrest could lead the country into a political crisis.