Cameroon Political Opposition Leader to Face Court Action Over Electoral Turmoil, Government Declares
The nation's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has declared that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over accusations that he provoked "violent post-election demonstrations".
No fewer than four demonstrators have been lost their lives during skirmishes between law enforcement and protesters since the electoral process on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya obtaining an eighth consecutive term.
Issa Tchiroma maintains that he won the election, a claim dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Forceful measures by police and security officers on protesters have worried the world leaders, with the UN, AU and European Union urging caution.
Minister's Allegations
Earlier this week, Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he described as "unlawful" rallies causing the loss of lives, and also rebuked him for declaring victory in the presidential race.
He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices involved in an insurrectionary plan" will also face legal action.
Poll Figures
Cameroon's leader, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, secured the 12 October presidential election with a majority of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.
Leader's Stance
Tchiroma Bakary is remains silent to the authorities' move to bring him to court, but he had earlier stated that he rejected a fraudulent outcome - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.
On election result day, he reported that armed men shot on protesters gathered near his house in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least two civilians.
Probe Announced
Recently, the government official revealed that an inquiry would be launched into violent incidents before and after the announcement of the election results.
"During these attacks, some of the individuals involved were killed," he said, without providing a exact count of protesters who have been killed in the confrontations.
Nji further mentioned that several officers of the police and military also received major harm.
Ongoing Circumstances
Even though the interior minister maintained the situation nationwide was now stable, protesters are still demonstrating in various areas of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters set up barricades on Tuesday, and burnt rubber on the roads.
Analysts caution that the political turmoil could lead the country into a political crisis.