Cameroonian Opposition Figure to Face Legal Proceedings Concerning Election Unrest, Government Declares
The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has announced that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over allegations that he instigated "violent election protests".
At least 4 protesters have been fatally wounded during clashes between security forces and opposition supporters since the electoral process on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 winning an eighth presidential mandate.
Issa Tchiroma maintains that he emerged victorious, a statement dismissed by the governing party, the ruling CPDM.
Aggressive responses by law enforcement on protesters have concerned the world leaders, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union demanding caution.
Official's Accusations
On Tuesday, the interior minister accused Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he labeled "unlawful" rallies resulting in the deaths, and also criticised him for announcing success in the electoral contest.
He added that the opposition leader's "associates involved in an subversive plot" will also undergo judicial processes.
Poll Figures
Cameroon's leader, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, secured the October 12 vote with over half of the vote, compared to 35.2% for his opponent, according to the electoral authority.
Challenger's Position
The opposition figure is has not yet commented to the authorities' move to try him, but he had previously stated that he rejected a fraudulent outcome - and that he was fearless of being arrested.
On election result day, he reported that gunmen shot on demonstrators present near his house in Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 people.
Inquiry Launched
Recently, the interior minister announced that an investigation would be initiated into clashes prior to and following the declaration of the poll figures.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals lost their lives," he said, without giving a precise figure of demonstrators who have been killed in the confrontations.
The minister noted that several personnel of the law enforcement also suffered serious injuries.
Present Conditions
While Nji asserted the situation across the country was now under control, protesters are still demonstrating in various areas of the country, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators established obstructions on Tuesday, and ignited rubber on the roads.
Experts warn that the election-related unrest could push the nation into a leadership vacuum.
