Cameroonian Opposition Leader Confronts Legal Proceedings Over Election Unrest, Government Declares
Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has declared that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over allegations that he instigated "aggressive election protests".
No fewer than four protesters have been lost their lives during clashes between law enforcement and opposition supporters since the electoral process on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya winning an eighth term in office.
Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he was the true winner, a claim dismissed by the governing party, the ruling CPDM.
Aggressive responses by police and security officers on protesters have worried the international community, with the UN, African Union and EU calling for moderation.
Official's Claims
Recently, the interior minister charged the opposition figure of coordinating what he described as "unlawful" demonstrations causing the loss of lives, and also rebuked him for claiming win in the electoral contest.
He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action.
Vote Outcome
Cameroon's leader, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, secured the October 12 presidential election with 53.7% of the vote, compared to a significant minority for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the constitutional court.
Challenger's Position
Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the authorities' move to prosecute him, but he had earlier declared that he refused to acknowledge a fraudulent outcome - and that he was fearless of being detained.
Following the vote count, he claimed that gunmen used lethal force on protesters assembled near his house in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 individuals.
Probe Revealed
On Tuesday, the interior minister announced that an probe would be started into violent incidents surrounding the announcement of the poll figures.
"During these attacks, some of the individuals involved died," he said, without offering a exact count of protesters who have been lost their lives in the clashes.
Nji added that several officers of the security forces also sustained major harm.
Ongoing Circumstances
Even though the interior minister insisted the situation nationwide was now stable, protesters remain active in some parts of the nation, especially in urban centers, where protesters set up obstructions on that day, and ignited tyres on the thoroughfares.
Observers warn that the post-electoral violence could push the nation into a political crisis.