🔗 Share this article Cameroonian Political Opposition Leader Confronts Legal Action Over Post-Election Violence, Government Announces Numerous in Cameroon are furious that Paul Biya has secured an eighth consecutive term Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has declared that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over claims that he provoked "violent post-election demonstrations". At least four protesters have been lost their lives during skirmishes between security forces and demonstrators since Cameroon's election on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya winning an eighth term in office. The opposition leader maintains that he emerged victorious, a assertion rejected by the incumbent party, the ruling CPDM. Violent crackdowns by police and security officers on protesters have concerned the international community, with the UN, African Union and EU demanding caution. Official's Claims Earlier this week, the interior minister alleged the opposition figure of planning what he referred to as "unlawful" demonstrations causing the fatalities, and also rebuked him for declaring victory in the presidential race. He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices behind an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action. Vote Outcome The president, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, secured the October 12 presidential election with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for the challenger, according to the constitutional court. Opposition Response Tchiroma Bakary is yet to respond to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had previously declared that he rejected a rigged election - and that he was fearless of being detained. When results were announced, he said that security forces used lethal force on protesters present near his house in the city of Garoua, killing at least 2 civilians. Probe Revealed Recently, the government official announced that an inquiry would be launched into clashes surrounding the declaration of the poll figures. "During these attacks, some of the criminals died," he said, without giving a precise figure of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the clashes. Nji noted that several members of the security forces also suffered major harm. Present Conditions While the interior minister maintained the situation throughout Cameroon was now stable, demonstrators are still demonstrating in some parts of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators established roadblocks on that day, and ignited rubber on the roads. Observers alert that the political turmoil could push the country into a leadership vacuum.