Cameroonian Opposition Figure Faces Legal Action Regarding Post-Election Violence, Authorities Announces
The nation's Interior Minister the interior minister has announced that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over claims that he instigated "aggressive post-election demonstrations".
At least 4 demonstrators have been killed during confrontations between security forces and opposition supporters since the presidential election on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya obtaining an eighth term in office.
The opposition leader insists that he emerged victorious, a statement rejected by the governing party, the CPDM.
Violent crackdowns by security personnel on demonstrators have worried the international community, with the United Nations, AU and European Union urging moderation.
Official's Accusations
On Tuesday, the interior minister charged Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he described as "unlawful" protests causing the fatalities, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the presidential race.
He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates involved in an subversive plot" will also undergo judicial processes.
Poll Figures
Paul Biya, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, won the October 12 presidential election with a majority of the vote, compared to 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Opposition Response
The opposition figure is remains silent to the official announcement to prosecute him, but he had earlier stated that he rejected a fraudulent outcome - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.
When results were announced, he said that gunmen shot on demonstrators present near his home in Garoua, fatally wounding at least two people.
Inquiry Revealed
Recently, the government official disclosed that an investigation would be started into violent incidents before and after the announcement of the poll figures.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals died," he said, without providing a exact count of demonstrators who have been killed in the clashes.
Nji further mentioned that several personnel of the law enforcement also suffered major harm.
Current Situation
Even though the interior minister insisted the situation across the country was now under control, protesters continue to protest in some parts of the nation, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators set up obstructions on that day, and set fire to tires on the roads.
Analysts warn that the post-electoral violence could plunge the nation into a political crisis.
