Cameroon Opposition Leader Confronts Legal Proceedings Regarding Post-Election Violence, Government Declares
The nation's Interior Minister the interior minister has declared that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he instigated "aggressive electoral rallies".
A minimum of four demonstrators have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between law enforcement and protesters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state securing an eighth term in office.
Issa Tchiroma asserts that he emerged victorious, a assertion rejected by the governing party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Violent crackdowns by security personnel on demonstrators have worried the world leaders, with the UN, African Union and EU calling for moderation.
Official's Claims
On Tuesday, the interior minister accused the opposition figure of coordinating what he described as "unauthorized" demonstrations resulting in the fatalities, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the presidential race.
He added that the opposition leader's "associates involved in an insurrectionary plan" will also be prosecuted.
Vote Outcome
Paul Biya, who took control in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, won the October 12 presidential election with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the constitutional court.
Opposition Response
The opposition figure is yet to respond to the authorities' move to bring him to court, but he had before announced that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being detained.
On election result day, he claimed that gunmen opened fire on protesters gathered near his home in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least two individuals.
Inquiry Revealed
On Tuesday, the government official announced that an inquiry would be launched into clashes prior to and following the announcement of the vote outcome.
"Throughout the violence, some of the criminals were killed," he commented, without offering a precise figure of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the confrontations.
Nji noted that several officers of the security forces also suffered serious injuries.
Current Situation
Although Nji maintained the state of affairs across the country was now manageable, demonstrators continue to protest in certain regions of the country, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators established roadblocks on Tuesday, and ignited tires on the streets.
Observers warn that the post-electoral violence could lead the nation into a governmental instability.