🔗 Share this article Cameroonian Opposition Leader Confronts Legal Proceedings Regarding Electoral Turmoil, Authorities Announces Many in Cameroon are furious that the president has won an eighth term Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has declared that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he instigated "aggressive post-election demonstrations". At least 4 demonstrators have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between security forces and opposition supporters since the presidential election on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth term in office. Tchiroma Bakary insists that he was the true winner, a claim disputed by the incumbent party, the ruling CPDM. Violent crackdowns by police and security officers on protesters have alarmed the world leaders, with the UN, AU and EU calling for caution. Official's Accusations On Tuesday, the interior minister charged the opposition figure of planning what he described as "illegal" demonstrations leading to the loss of lives, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the presidential race. He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates behind an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action. Poll Figures The president, who took control in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, obtained the 12 October election with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to 35.2% for the challenger, according to the constitutional court. Leader's Stance Tchiroma Bakary is has not yet commented to the authorities' move to prosecute him, but he had before declared that he refused to acknowledge a fraudulent outcome - and that he was undaunted of being arrested. On election result day, he reported that gunmen shot on protesters gathered near his house in the city of Garoua, killing at least 2 civilians. Investigation Announced On Tuesday, the government official announced that an probe would be launched into unrest prior to and following the declaration of the poll figures. "Throughout the violence, some of the individuals involved lost their lives," he stated, without providing a specific number of protesters who have been lost their lives in the incidents. Nji further mentioned that multiple members of the security forces also suffered serious injuries. Current Situation Although the interior minister asserted the state of affairs throughout Cameroon was now manageable, demonstrators continue to protest in various areas of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators mounted obstructions on that day, and ignited tyres on the thoroughfares. Observers caution that the political turmoil could lead the country into a leadership vacuum.