Cameroonian Opposition Figure to Face Court Action Concerning Electoral Turmoil, Government Declares
Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has stated that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over claims that he provoked "aggressive post-election demonstrations".
No fewer than 4 protesters have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between security forces and protesters since Cameroon's election on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth term in office.
The opposition leader insists that he emerged victorious, a statement dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Aggressive responses by law enforcement on protesters have worried the global community, with the United Nations, AU and EU urging restraint.
Minister's Accusations
Recently, the interior minister alleged Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he labeled "unlawful" rallies leading to the fatalities, and also criticised him for claiming win in the election.
He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates involved in an subversive plot" will also be prosecuted.
Election Results
Cameroon's leader, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, secured the 12 October vote with over half of the vote, compared to 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.
Opposition Response
Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the government's decision to try him, but he had previously stated that he rejected a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being taken into custody.
On election result day, he claimed that security forces used lethal force on demonstrators present near his home in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least two people.
Investigation Announced
Earlier this week, the government official announced that an inquiry would be initiated into unrest before and after the announcement of the vote outcome.
"Throughout the violence, some of the individuals involved lost their lives," he said, without giving a specific number of protesters who have been lost their lives in the confrontations.
The minister noted that multiple personnel of the law enforcement also suffered serious injuries.
Current Situation
While the interior minister insisted the condition nationwide was now manageable, demonstrators remain active in some parts of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters mounted roadblocks on that day, and set fire to tires on the roads.
Analysts warn that the post-electoral violence could plunge the nation into a political crisis.
