Cameroonian Political Opposition Leader Confronts Court Action Regarding Post-Election Violence, Authorities Declares
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has announced that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over accusations that he provoked "violent electoral rallies".
A minimum of 4 protesters have been fatally wounded during clashes between security forces and demonstrators since the electoral process on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya obtaining an eighth term in office.
Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he emerged victorious, a assertion dismissed by the incumbent party, the CPDM.
Violent crackdowns by security personnel on demonstrators have alarmed the global community, with the UN, AU and EU demanding moderation.
Minister's Claims
Recently, the interior minister alleged Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he referred to as "illegal" protests resulting in the fatalities, and also rebuked him for claiming win in the electoral contest.
He further stated that the opposition leader's "associates responsible for an subversive plot" will also undergo judicial processes.
Vote Outcome
Cameroon's leader, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, secured the 12 October presidential election with a majority of the ballots, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.
Challenger's Position
Tchiroma Bakary is remains silent to the government's decision to try him, but he had previously declared that he would not accept a fraudulent outcome - and that he was fearless of being detained.
Following the vote count, he reported that security forces used lethal force on protesters assembled near his house in Garoua, causing the death of at least two civilians.
Inquiry Announced
Recently, the interior minister revealed that an probe would be initiated into clashes surrounding the publication of the vote outcome.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the individuals involved were killed," he said, without giving a precise figure of protesters who have been fatally injured in the incidents.
The minister noted that several officers of the law enforcement also received significant wounds.
Ongoing Circumstances
Although Nji insisted the state of affairs nationwide was now under control, protesters are still demonstrating in certain regions of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators mounted barricades on Tuesday, and ignited tires on the streets.
Observers caution that the election-related unrest could push the country into a governmental instability.