Cameroon Opposition Figure Faces Legal Action Concerning Election Unrest, Authorities Announces
Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has declared that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over allegations that he provoked "aggressive post-election demonstrations".
A minimum of 4 demonstrators have been lost their lives during confrontations between police and military and demonstrators since the presidential election on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya obtaining an eighth term in office.
Issa Tchiroma asserts that he emerged victorious, a claim dismissed by the incumbent party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Forceful measures by security personnel on protesters have alarmed the international community, with the United Nations, AU and European Union urging moderation.
Official's Accusations
Recently, Nji charged the opposition figure of planning what he described as "unlawful" protests causing the fatalities, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the electoral contest.
He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.
Vote Outcome
Cameroon's leader, who took control in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the October 12 election with 53.7% of the vote, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to the electoral authority.
Opposition Response
The opposition figure is remains silent to the authorities' move to prosecute him, but he had before announced that he would not accept a fraudulent outcome - and that he was not afraid of being detained.
On election result day, he reported that armed men opened fire on protesters assembled near his home in Garoua, killing at least 2 civilians.
Probe Launched
Recently, the government official announced that an investigation would be initiated into violent incidents prior to and following the declaration of the election results.
"During these attacks, some of the criminals were killed," he stated, without providing a precise figure of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the clashes.
The minister added that several personnel of the police and military also sustained significant wounds.
Ongoing Circumstances
While Nji maintained the state of affairs throughout Cameroon was now under control, demonstrators continue to protest in certain regions of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters set up roadblocks on Tuesday, and burnt tyres on the roads.
Analysts caution that the political turmoil could plunge the country into a political crisis.