Cameroon Political Opposition Leader Confronts Legal Proceedings Over Post-Election Violence, Authorities Says
Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has declared that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over allegations that he instigated "aggressive electoral rallies".
At least four demonstrators have been lost their lives during clashes between security forces and demonstrators since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth presidential mandate.
Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he won the election, a claim disputed by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.
Violent crackdowns by law enforcement on protesters have alarmed the international community, with the United Nations, African Union and EU demanding caution.
Minister's Accusations
On Tuesday, the interior minister alleged the opposition figure of planning what he labeled "illegal" demonstrations resulting in the deaths, and also rebuked him for claiming win in the electoral contest.
He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates involved in an subversive plot" will also be prosecuted.
Poll Figures
Cameroon's leader, who came to power in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, won the October 12 vote with over half of the vote, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.
Opposition Response
Issa Tchiroma is has not yet commented to the government's decision to prosecute him, but he had before announced that he refused to acknowledge a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.
When results were announced, he claimed that security forces opened fire on protesters assembled near his house in the city of Garoua, killing at least 2 civilians.
Inquiry Revealed
On Tuesday, the interior minister disclosed that an inquiry would be initiated into unrest prior to and following the announcement 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 lost their lives in the clashes.
Nji added that several personnel of the security forces also sustained serious injuries.
Ongoing Circumstances
While Nji maintained the condition nationwide was now manageable, demonstrators are still demonstrating in some parts of the nation, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators set up roadblocks on Tuesday, and burnt tyres on the thoroughfares.
Observers alert that the political turmoil could push the nation into a leadership vacuum.