🔗 Share this article

The nation's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has announced that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over allegations that he provoked "aggressive electoral rallies".

A minimum of 4 protesters have been lost their lives during skirmishes between police and military and protesters since the presidential election on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 securing an eighth presidential mandate.

Tchiroma Bakary asserts that he won the election, a statement rejected by Biya's ruling party, the ruling CPDM.

Aggressive responses by security personnel on demonstrators have concerned the global community, with the United Nations, AU and European Union demanding restraint.

Official's Accusations

Earlier this week, the interior minister accused Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he labeled "unauthorized" demonstrations leading to the fatalities, and also criticised him for declaring victory in the election.

He noted that the opposition leader's "associates involved in an subversive plot" will also be prosecuted.

Election Results

The president, who came to power in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, secured the October 12 vote with 53.7% of the vote, compared to 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.

Challenger's Position

Issa Tchiroma is has not yet commented to the official announcement to try him, but he had earlier announced that he refused to acknowledge a fraudulent outcome - and that he was undaunted of being detained.

When results were announced, he said that gunmen shot on protesters assembled near his residence in the city of Garoua, killing at least 2 individuals.

Investigation Revealed

Earlier this week, the interior minister disclosed that an inquiry would be started into unrest prior to and following the announcement of the vote outcome.

"During these attacks, some of the perpetrators lost their lives," he said, without giving a exact count of demonstrators who have been killed in the clashes.

The minister added that several officers of the security forces also received serious injuries.

Ongoing Circumstances

While the interior minister insisted the state of affairs across the country was now under control, demonstrators continue to protest in various areas of the nation, especially in these two cities, where protesters mounted obstructions on Tuesday, and burnt tires on the streets.

Analysts alert that the post-electoral violence could push the nation into a leadership vacuum.