Cameroonian Political Opposition Leader to Face Court Action Regarding Electoral Turmoil, Authorities Announces
Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has declared that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over accusations that he instigated "violent post-election demonstrations".
At least four demonstrators have been fatally wounded during confrontations between law enforcement and protesters since the presidential election on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 winning an eighth consecutive term.
Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he emerged victorious, a statement rejected by the incumbent party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Violent crackdowns by police and security officers on protesters have concerned the international community, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union calling for moderation.
Official's Accusations
Earlier this week, Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he described as "unlawful" rallies causing the loss of lives, and also condemned him for announcing success in the election.
He further stated that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators behind an subversive plot" will also face legal action.
Election Results
Cameroon's leader, who came to power in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the October 12 presidential election with over half of the ballots, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.
Leader's Stance
Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had previously declared that he rejected a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being detained.
Following the vote count, he claimed that security forces used lethal force on protesters assembled near his home in Garoua, causing the death of at least two individuals.
Probe Revealed
Recently, the government official announced that an inquiry would be started into unrest prior to and following the declaration of the poll figures.
"Throughout the violence, some of the individuals involved died," he said, without providing a precise figure of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the clashes.
The minister further mentioned that multiple personnel of the police and military also sustained serious injuries.
Current Situation
Although the interior minister maintained the condition throughout Cameroon was now under control, protesters continue to protest in certain regions of the nation, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators mounted roadblocks on that day, and set fire to tyres on the streets.
Experts alert that the post-electoral violence could push the country into a leadership vacuum.