Cameroonian Political Opposition Figure to Face Court Action Concerning Election Unrest, Government Announces
Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has stated that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he provoked "violent electoral rallies".
No fewer than 4 protesters have been killed during skirmishes between law enforcement and protesters since the electoral process on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya winning an eighth term in office.
Tchiroma Bakary insists that he emerged victorious, a assertion rejected by Biya's ruling party, the ruling CPDM.
Aggressive responses by law enforcement on demonstrators have worried the world leaders, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union calling for restraint.
Minister's Accusations
Recently, Nji charged Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he labeled "illegal" protests causing the fatalities, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the presidential race.
He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators behind an subversive plot" will also be prosecuted.
Election Results
Cameroon's leader, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, won the 12 October election with over half of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for the challenger, according to the electoral authority.
Opposition Response
Tchiroma Bakary is yet to respond to the authorities' move to prosecute him, but he had earlier announced that he rejected a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being taken into custody.
Following the vote count, he said that gunmen opened fire on protesters assembled near his residence in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 people.
Probe Announced
On Tuesday, the interior minister disclosed that an inquiry would be launched into violent incidents before and after the publication of the vote outcome.
"Throughout the violence, some of the perpetrators lost their lives," he said, without giving a precise figure of protesters who have been fatally injured in the incidents.
Nji added that several members of the police and military also received significant wounds.
Ongoing Circumstances
Even though Nji maintained the state of affairs across the country was now stable, demonstrators continue to protest in some parts of the nation, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators mounted barricades on that day, and burnt rubber on the roads.
Analysts warn that the post-electoral violence could plunge the country into a political crisis.
