Cameroonian Political Opposition Leader to Face Court Action Concerning Election Unrest, Government Declares
Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has declared that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over accusations that he instigated "aggressive election protests".
At least four demonstrators have been killed during clashes between law enforcement and protesters since the presidential election on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 winning an eighth consecutive term.
Issa Tchiroma maintains that he won the election, a claim rejected by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Aggressive responses by law enforcement on protesters have worried the international community, with the UN, AU and EU calling for moderation.
Minister's Claims
On Tuesday, Nji alleged the opposition figure of planning what he referred to as "unauthorized" demonstrations causing the fatalities, and also criticised him for declaring victory in the presidential race.
He added that the opposition leader's "associates behind an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.
Poll Figures
Paul Biya, who took control in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, obtained the October 12 vote with 53.7% of the vote, compared to a significant minority for his opponent, according to the electoral authority.
Challenger's Position
Issa Tchiroma is has not yet commented to the authorities' move to try him, but he had before declared that he would not accept a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being taken into custody.
When results were announced, he claimed that armed men opened fire on protesters present near his house in the city of Garoua, killing at least 2 people.
Investigation Revealed
On Tuesday, the interior minister revealed that an investigation would be launched into clashes before and after the publication of the vote outcome.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals were killed," he said, without offering a exact count of protesters who have been killed in the clashes.
The minister noted that multiple members of the security forces also sustained major harm.
Ongoing Circumstances
While the interior minister asserted the condition nationwide was now manageable, protesters remain active in various areas of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators set up barricades on that day, and burnt rubber on the thoroughfares.
Experts alert that the political turmoil could push the country into a political crisis.