🔗 Share this article

The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has stated that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over claims that he incited "violent post-election demonstrations".

At least four demonstrators have been killed during clashes between law enforcement and protesters since the presidential election on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state securing an eighth presidential mandate.

Issa Tchiroma maintains that he was the true winner, a claim disputed by Biya's ruling party, the ruling CPDM.

Aggressive responses by security personnel on demonstrators have worried the global community, with the UN, African Union and European Union calling for caution.

Minister's Allegations

Recently, the interior minister charged the opposition figure of organising what he described as "unauthorized" protests leading to the loss of lives, and also condemned him for claiming win in the electoral contest.

He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators behind an insurrectionary plan" will also face legal action.

Poll Figures

The president, who came to power in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, secured the October 12 election with over half of the vote, compared to 35.2% for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.

Challenger's Position

Tchiroma Bakary is remains silent to the government's decision to prosecute him, but he had previously stated that he rejected a rigged election - and that he was fearless of being arrested.

Following the vote count, he reported that gunmen shot on protesters assembled near his residence in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least two individuals.

Inquiry Launched

Recently, the government official disclosed that an inquiry would be started into unrest prior to and following the declaration of the election results.

"Throughout the violence, some of the criminals lost their lives," he commented, without providing a precise figure of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the confrontations.

Nji noted that a number of personnel of the security forces also sustained significant wounds.

Ongoing Circumstances

Even though the interior minister insisted the condition across the country was now manageable, protesters continue to protest in some parts of the nation, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators established obstructions on Tuesday, and ignited tyres on the streets.

Analysts warn that the post-electoral violence could lead the nation into a political crisis.