Cameroonian Opposition Leader Faces Legal Action Over Post-Election Violence, Authorities Announces
The nation's Interior Minister the interior minister has declared that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over allegations that he incited "violent electoral rallies".
No fewer than four protesters have been lost their lives during confrontations between law enforcement and demonstrators since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 securing an eighth presidential mandate.
Issa Tchiroma maintains that he was the true winner, a statement disputed by Biya's ruling party, the ruling CPDM.
Violent crackdowns by law enforcement on demonstrators have concerned the global community, with the UN, AU and European Union calling for restraint.
Minister's Allegations
On Tuesday, the interior minister alleged Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he referred to as "illegal" rallies causing the fatalities, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the election.
He further stated that the opposition leader's "accomplices behind an insurrectionary plan" will also face legal action.
Election Results
Paul Biya, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, obtained the October 12 vote with a majority of the vote, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.
Opposition Response
Tchiroma Bakary is has not yet commented to the authorities' move to try him, but he had before stated that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was undaunted of being detained.
When results were announced, he reported that security forces opened fire on protesters gathered near his home in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least two individuals.
Inquiry Revealed
Recently, the interior minister announced that an probe would be initiated into violent incidents surrounding the declaration of the election results.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the individuals involved lost their lives," he commented, without providing a precise figure of demonstrators who have been killed in the confrontations.
Nji added that multiple officers of the law enforcement also sustained serious injuries.
Ongoing Circumstances
Although the interior minister insisted the situation nationwide was now stable, demonstrators remain active in some parts of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators mounted barricades on Tuesday, and ignited tires on the thoroughfares.
Analysts alert that the election-related unrest could push the country into a governmental instability.