Cameroonian Opposition Leader Confronts Legal Action Over Election Unrest, Government Announces
Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has announced that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over allegations that he instigated "violent election protests".
No fewer than 4 demonstrators have been killed during confrontations between police and military and demonstrators since the electoral process on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya winning an eighth term in office.
Issa Tchiroma insists that he was the true winner, a statement rejected by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.
Forceful measures by police and security officers on protesters have worried the international community, with the United Nations, African Union and EU calling for moderation.
Official's Claims
Recently, the interior minister accused Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he referred to as "unlawful" rallies causing the loss of lives, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the presidential race.
He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates responsible for an subversive plot" will also undergo judicial processes.
Poll Figures
Paul Biya, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, secured the October 12 vote with 53.7% of the votes, compared to just over a third for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the constitutional court.
Opposition Response
The opposition figure is has not yet commented to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had before announced that he rejected a fraudulent outcome - and that he was undaunted of being taken into custody.
When results were announced, he said that security forces shot on demonstrators gathered near his home in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least two individuals.
Probe Announced
Earlier this week, the interior minister disclosed that an investigation would be launched into unrest surrounding the publication of the vote outcome.
"During these attacks, some of the perpetrators were killed," he said, without offering a exact count of protesters who have been lost their lives in the clashes.
The minister added that several personnel of the law enforcement also received serious injuries.
Current Situation
Although Nji asserted the state of affairs across the country was now under control, protesters are still demonstrating in certain regions of the nation, especially in these two cities, where protesters set up barricades on that day, and burnt tires on the roads.
Observers warn that the political turmoil could push the nation into a political crisis.