Cameroon Political Opposition Figure Faces Court Action Over Election Unrest, Authorities Declares
The nation's Interior Minister the interior minister has stated that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over accusations that he incited "aggressive election protests".
A minimum of four protesters have been killed during clashes between police and military and demonstrators since the presidential election on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.
The opposition leader asserts that he emerged victorious, a assertion dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Violent crackdowns by law enforcement on protesters have concerned the international community, with the United Nations, AU and EU demanding caution.
Official's Allegations
Recently, Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he labeled "unauthorized" rallies resulting in the deaths, and also condemned him for announcing success in the electoral contest.
He noted that the opposition leader's "accomplices involved in an subversive plot" will also undergo judicial processes.
Vote Outcome
Cameroon's leader, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, obtained the 12 October vote with 53.7% of the votes, compared to 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.
Leader's Stance
Issa Tchiroma is yet to respond to the government's decision to try him, but he had earlier announced that he rejected a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being arrested.
On election result day, he claimed that security forces opened fire on protesters present near his residence in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 individuals.
Probe Announced
On Tuesday, the interior minister revealed that an investigation would be started into unrest prior to and following the declaration of the vote outcome.
"Throughout the violence, some of the criminals lost their lives," he stated, without giving a specific number of protesters who have been killed in the confrontations.
The minister noted that multiple personnel of the security forces also suffered significant wounds.
Present Conditions
Even though the interior minister asserted the situation across the country was now manageable, protesters are still demonstrating in various areas of the nation, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators set up barricades on that day, and set fire to tires on the roads.
Observers caution that the election-related unrest could plunge the nation into a leadership vacuum.