Cameroonian Political Opposition Leader Confronts Court Action Regarding Electoral Turmoil, Authorities Announces
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has stated that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over allegations that he incited "violent post-election demonstrations".
A minimum of four demonstrators have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between law enforcement and protesters since the electoral process on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 securing an eighth term in office.
Issa Tchiroma asserts that he was the true winner, a assertion rejected by Biya's ruling party, the ruling CPDM.
Forceful measures by police and security officers on protesters have concerned the international community, with the UN, African Union and European Union calling for moderation.
Official's Claims
On Tuesday, the interior minister charged the opposition figure of coordinating what he described as "illegal" protests causing the deaths, and also condemned him for claiming win in the electoral contest.
He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices behind an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action.
Vote Outcome
Cameroon's leader, who came to power in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, obtained the October 12 election with over half of the ballots, compared to just over a third for Tchiroma Bakary, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Leader's Stance
Issa Tchiroma is has not yet commented to the authorities' move to try him, but he had earlier announced that he would not accept a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.
When results were announced, he said that armed men shot on protesters assembled near his house in Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 individuals.
Investigation Launched
On Tuesday, the government official revealed that an investigation would be launched into unrest before and after the publication of the election results.
"During these attacks, some of the perpetrators were killed," he commented, without providing a precise figure of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the clashes.
The minister noted that multiple officers of the law enforcement also received major harm.
Current Situation
Even though the interior minister asserted the state of affairs nationwide was now manageable, protesters continue to protest in some parts of the nation, especially in urban centers, where protesters mounted roadblocks on Tuesday, and ignited tires on the thoroughfares.
Analysts caution that the election-related unrest could lead the nation into a governmental instability.
