Cameroon Opposition Leader Faces Court Action Concerning Electoral Turmoil, Government Says
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has announced that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over allegations that he provoked "aggressive electoral rallies".
At least 4 protesters have been fatally wounded during clashes between security forces and protesters since the presidential election on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.
Tchiroma Bakary asserts that he won the election, a statement dismissed by the incumbent party, the ruling CPDM.
Aggressive responses by security personnel on demonstrators have worried the global community, with the UN, AU and European Union urging moderation.
Official's Accusations
Earlier this week, the interior minister accused Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he labeled "unlawful" rallies leading to the fatalities, and also criticised him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.
He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.
Vote Outcome
The president, who came to power in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, secured the October 12 presidential election with a majority of the vote, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.
Opposition Response
Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the authorities' move to prosecute him, but he had before stated that he rejected a rigged election - and that he was fearless of being detained.
When results were announced, he reported that gunmen shot on demonstrators assembled near his residence in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least two people.
Investigation Announced
On Tuesday, the government official revealed that an inquiry would be started into unrest before and after the publication of the vote outcome.
"Throughout the violence, some of the perpetrators were killed," he stated, without giving a precise figure of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the confrontations.
Nji further mentioned that multiple personnel of the police and military also suffered significant wounds.
Current Situation
Although Nji asserted the situation across the country was now manageable, protesters are still demonstrating in some parts of the nation, especially in urban centers, where protesters established roadblocks on Tuesday, and burnt tires on the streets.
Experts caution that the election-related unrest could lead the nation into a political crisis.
