Cameroonian Political Opposition Figure to Face Court Action Over Election Unrest, Authorities Declares

The nation's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has declared that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over allegations that he incited "violent election protests".

At least 4 demonstrators have been killed during clashes between police and military and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.

The opposition leader maintains that he emerged victorious, a statement dismissed by the governing party, the CPDM.

Violent crackdowns by police and security officers on protesters have concerned the global community, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union calling for caution.

Official's Allegations

On Tuesday, Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he labeled "unlawful" rallies resulting in the deaths, and also criticised him for announcing success in the election.

He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates behind an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.

Poll Figures

The president, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, secured the 12 October election with a majority of the votes, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Challenger's Position

The opposition figure is yet to respond to the official announcement to try him, but he had earlier stated that he refused to acknowledge a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being detained.

When results were announced, he claimed that gunmen used lethal force on demonstrators gathered near his house in Garoua, fatally wounding at least two civilians.

Probe Launched

On Tuesday, the interior minister disclosed that an investigation would be started into clashes before and after the announcement of the election results.

"During these attacks, some of the perpetrators died," he stated, without offering a specific number of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the confrontations.

The minister added that several members of the security forces also suffered major harm.

Current Situation

While Nji maintained the state of affairs nationwide was now under control, demonstrators continue to protest in various areas of the nation, especially in urban centers, where protesters set up obstructions on Tuesday, and burnt tyres on the streets.

Analysts alert that the political turmoil could lead the nation into a political crisis.