Cameroon Political Opposition Leader to Face Court Action Concerning Electoral Turmoil, Authorities Declares
The nation's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has stated that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he incited "aggressive electoral rallies".
No fewer than 4 protesters have been lost their lives during skirmishes between security forces and protesters since the electoral process on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya winning an eighth term in office.
The opposition leader maintains that he emerged victorious, a assertion disputed by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.
Forceful measures by police and security officers on protesters have worried the international community, with the UN, AU and European Union calling for restraint.
Official's Accusations
Earlier this week, the interior minister charged Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he labeled "unlawful" demonstrations resulting in the loss of lives, and also condemned him for claiming win in the presidential race.
He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.
Vote Outcome
The president, who took control in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the October 12 vote with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for the challenger, according to the electoral authority.
Opposition Response
The opposition figure is has not yet commented to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had previously announced that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was undaunted of being taken into custody.
When results were announced, he claimed that armed men shot on protesters present near his residence in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least two individuals.
Investigation Announced
Earlier this week, the government official disclosed that an probe would be started into clashes before and after the publication of the poll figures.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the perpetrators died," he said, without offering a specific number of protesters who have been lost their lives in the incidents.
The minister added that several personnel of the law enforcement also suffered major harm.
Present Conditions
Although the interior minister maintained the situation across the country was now manageable, demonstrators are still demonstrating in some parts of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators mounted roadblocks on that day, and ignited tyres on the thoroughfares.
Observers warn that the post-electoral violence could lead the nation into a governmental instability.