Cameroonian Political Opposition Figure to Face Court Action Concerning Electoral Turmoil, Authorities Declares
The nation's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has stated that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over claims that he incited "aggressive post-election demonstrations".
No fewer than 4 protesters have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between police and military and demonstrators since the presidential election on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya winning an eighth presidential mandate.
Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he emerged victorious, a claim dismissed by the governing party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Forceful measures by police and security officers on demonstrators have worried the world leaders, with the UN, African Union and European Union demanding moderation.
Official's Allegations
On Tuesday, Nji charged Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he labeled "unauthorized" demonstrations leading to the loss of lives, and also condemned him for claiming win in the presidential race.
He added that the opposition leader's "accomplices responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also face legal action.
Poll Figures
Cameroon's leader, who took control in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, obtained the 12 October presidential election with a majority of the vote, compared to just over a third for his opponent, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Leader's Stance
Issa Tchiroma is has not yet commented to the authorities' move to prosecute him, but he had earlier announced that he refused to acknowledge a rigged election - and that he was not afraid of being detained.
When results were announced, he claimed that gunmen shot on demonstrators present near his residence in Garoua, fatally wounding at least two civilians.
Probe Launched
On Tuesday, the government official revealed that an probe would be initiated into violent incidents prior to and following the publication of the election results.
"During these attacks, some of the individuals involved were killed," he stated, without giving a exact count of demonstrators who have been killed in the incidents.
The minister added that multiple members of the law enforcement also suffered major harm.
Current Situation
Although the interior minister maintained the situation across the country was now under control, demonstrators are still demonstrating in some parts of the country, especially in urban centers, where protesters established barricades on that day, and ignited tires on the roads.
Analysts caution that the post-electoral violence could push the nation into a governmental instability.