Cameroon Opposition Figure Confronts Legal Proceedings Concerning Electoral Turmoil, Government Announces
Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has announced that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over allegations that he instigated "aggressive election protests".
At least four demonstrators have been fatally wounded during confrontations between law enforcement and opposition supporters since the electoral process on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.
The opposition leader insists that he won the election, a claim rejected by the incumbent party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Aggressive responses by law enforcement on protesters have worried the international community, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union demanding caution.
Official's Allegations
Recently, Nji charged Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he labeled "unlawful" rallies resulting in the loss of lives, and also criticised him for claiming win in the electoral contest.
He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also be prosecuted.
Poll Figures
Paul Biya, who took control in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, won the October 12 presidential election with over half of the votes, compared to 35.2% for his opponent, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Opposition Response
Tchiroma Bakary is yet to respond to the official announcement to try him, but he had before declared that he would not accept a fraudulent outcome - and that he was fearless of being detained.
On election result day, he reported that security forces used lethal force on protesters assembled near his house in the city of Garoua, killing at least 2 civilians.
Investigation Revealed
Earlier this week, the interior minister announced that an investigation would be launched into violent incidents prior to and following the declaration of the vote outcome.
"Throughout the violence, some of the individuals involved were killed," he stated, without offering a specific number of demonstrators who have been killed in the confrontations.
Nji added that a number of personnel of the security forces also suffered significant wounds.
Ongoing Circumstances
Even though the interior minister insisted the state of affairs across the country was now stable, protesters are still demonstrating in various areas of the country, especially in urban centers, where protesters established roadblocks on Tuesday, and burnt rubber on the thoroughfares.
Analysts caution that the election-related unrest could lead the nation into a leadership vacuum.