Cameroon Opposition Figure Faces Court Action Concerning Post-Election Violence, Authorities Announces
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has stated that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over allegations that he incited "aggressive election protests".
A minimum of 4 demonstrators have been killed during clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators since Cameroon's election on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 securing an eighth term in office.
Issa Tchiroma maintains that he emerged victorious, a claim rejected by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.
Forceful measures by police and security officers on demonstrators have concerned the international community, with the UN, African Union and European Union demanding caution.
Official's Claims
Recently, Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he described as "unauthorized" rallies resulting in the loss of lives, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the presidential race.
He further stated that the opposition leader's "associates behind an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action.
Election Results
Paul Biya, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, won the 12 October vote with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to 35.2% for his opponent, according to the electoral authority.
Challenger's Position
The opposition figure is remains silent to the official announcement to bring him to court, but he had previously declared that he refused to acknowledge a fraudulent outcome - and that he was not afraid of being arrested.
On election result day, he claimed that armed men opened fire on protesters assembled near his residence in Garoua, killing at least 2 civilians.
Probe Launched
On Tuesday, the interior minister disclosed that an inquiry would be launched into violent incidents prior to and following the publication of the election results.
"Throughout the violence, some of the perpetrators died," he said, without providing a specific number of protesters who have been fatally injured in the incidents.
The minister added that a number of officers of the law enforcement also suffered serious injuries.
Present Conditions
Even though Nji asserted the state of affairs across the country was now manageable, demonstrators continue to protest in some parts of the nation, especially in urban centers, where protesters set up obstructions on that day, and ignited tires on the streets.
Observers warn that the election-related unrest could lead the nation into a leadership vacuum.
