Cameroonian Opposition Leader to Face Legal Proceedings Concerning Election Unrest, Government Says
Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has declared that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over claims that he incited "violent electoral rallies".
At least four demonstrators have been lost their lives during confrontations between security forces and demonstrators since the presidential election on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth term in office.
The opposition leader maintains that he emerged victorious, a assertion dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.
Aggressive responses by police and security officers on protesters have alarmed the global community, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union demanding caution.
Minister's Accusations
Earlier this week, the interior minister charged Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he referred to as "illegal" rallies resulting in the fatalities, and also condemned him for claiming win in the electoral contest.
He further stated that the opposition leader's "accomplices behind an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.
Election Results
Paul Biya, who took control in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the October 12 vote with a majority of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for Tchiroma Bakary, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Leader's Stance
Issa Tchiroma is yet to respond to the official announcement to prosecute him, but he had earlier stated that he rejected a rigged election - and that he was fearless of being arrested.
When results were announced, he claimed that armed men used lethal force on demonstrators present near his house in Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 people.
Inquiry Revealed
Recently, the government official revealed that an investigation would be launched into violent incidents before and after the publication of the election results.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the individuals involved died," he commented, without providing a precise figure of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the confrontations.
The minister further mentioned that a number of officers of the police and military also received significant wounds.
Current Situation
Even though Nji asserted the situation nationwide was now under control, demonstrators are still demonstrating in some parts of the nation, especially in these two cities, where protesters established obstructions on Tuesday, and burnt tires on the streets.
Experts alert that the post-electoral violence could push the nation into a leadership vacuum.