🔗 Share this article Cameroonian Opposition Leader to Face Legal Action Over Post-Election Violence, Authorities Declares Numerous in Cameroon show outrage that the president has won an eighth presidential term The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has announced that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over allegations that he provoked "violent electoral rallies". A minimum of 4 protesters have been lost their lives during clashes between security forces and protesters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth presidential mandate. Issa Tchiroma insists that he emerged victorious, a statement disputed by the incumbent party, the CPDM. Violent crackdowns by police and security officers on demonstrators have worried the global community, with the UN, AU and European Union calling for restraint. Official's Accusations Recently, Nji alleged the opposition figure of organising what he referred to as "unauthorized" protests leading to the fatalities, and also criticised him for announcing success in the presidential race. He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices behind an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action. Poll Figures Paul Biya, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, secured the October 12 election with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for his opponent, according to the constitutional court. Challenger's Position The opposition figure is has not yet commented to the government's decision to prosecute him, but he had before stated that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being arrested. On election result day, he said that armed men used lethal force on demonstrators assembled near his residence in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 individuals. Probe Announced Earlier this week, the interior minister revealed that an investigation would be launched into violent incidents before and after the publication of the vote outcome. "During these attacks, some of the perpetrators were killed," he commented, without providing a precise figure of demonstrators who have been killed in the incidents. Nji added that a number of members of the law enforcement also received major harm. Current Situation While the interior minister maintained the situation throughout Cameroon was now under control, protesters are still demonstrating in some parts of the nation, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators established roadblocks on Tuesday, and set fire to tires on the thoroughfares. Experts caution that the political turmoil could plunge the nation into a leadership vacuum.