Cameroonian Opposition Figure to Face Legal Proceedings Regarding Post-Election Violence, Government Declares
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has announced that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he incited "aggressive election protests".
At least four demonstrators have been fatally wounded during confrontations between security forces and protesters since the electoral process on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 securing an eighth consecutive term.
Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he won the election, a statement rejected by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Violent crackdowns by police and security officers on demonstrators have concerned the world leaders, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union demanding restraint.
Official's Allegations
On Tuesday, the interior minister charged Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he labeled "unauthorized" demonstrations resulting in the loss of lives, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.
He noted that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators behind an subversive plot" will also face legal action.
Election Results
The president, who took control in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, obtained the 12 October vote with 53.7% of the vote, compared to a significant minority for his opponent, according to the constitutional court.
Challenger's Position
The opposition figure is has not yet commented to the government's decision to prosecute him, but he had before declared that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being detained.
When results were announced, he claimed that security forces shot on demonstrators gathered near his residence in Garoua, fatally wounding at least two people.
Inquiry Revealed
Recently, the government official disclosed that an inquiry would be started into clashes surrounding the publication of the election results.
"During these attacks, some of the individuals involved were killed," he stated, without offering a specific number of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the clashes.
Nji further mentioned that a number of personnel of the law enforcement also suffered serious injuries.
Ongoing Circumstances
Although the interior minister insisted the condition across the country was now under control, protesters are still demonstrating in various areas of the country, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators set up obstructions on that day, and ignited tyres on the thoroughfares.
Experts caution that the post-electoral violence could push the country into a political crisis.