Cameroonian Political Opposition Leader to Face Legal Proceedings Over Election Unrest, Authorities Says
The nation's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has announced that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over accusations that he incited "aggressive election protests".
No fewer than four protesters have been lost their lives during clashes between police and military and protesters since Cameroon's election on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth consecutive term.
Issa Tchiroma asserts that he emerged victorious, a claim rejected by the incumbent party, the CPDM.
Forceful measures by law enforcement on protesters have concerned the world leaders, with the UN, AU and European Union urging moderation.
Official's Allegations
Earlier this week, the interior minister charged the opposition figure of planning what he labeled "illegal" demonstrations resulting in the deaths, and also criticised him for claiming win in the presidential race.
He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates behind an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action.
Election Results
The president, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, obtained the October 12 election with over half of the vote, compared to a significant minority for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.
Challenger's Position
The opposition figure is has not yet commented to the authorities' move to bring him to court, but he had earlier announced that he rejected a stolen vote - and that he was undaunted of being taken into custody.
On election result day, he reported that security forces opened fire on protesters present near his residence in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 people.
Inquiry Announced
Earlier this week, the government official announced that an inquiry would be launched into unrest prior to and following the declaration of the election results.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals died," he stated, without providing a specific number of protesters who have been fatally injured in the confrontations.
Nji further mentioned that multiple members of the law enforcement also sustained serious injuries.
Current Situation
Even though Nji insisted the situation nationwide was now stable, demonstrators continue to protest in certain regions of the country, especially in these two cities, where protesters mounted barricades on that day, and set fire to tyres on the roads.
Analysts alert that the post-electoral violence could plunge the nation into a leadership vacuum.