Cameroonian Opposition Figure to Face Legal Action Concerning Post-Election Violence, Government Announces
Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has declared that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over accusations that he provoked "violent election protests".
At least four protesters have been killed during skirmishes between law enforcement and demonstrators since the electoral process on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth consecutive term.
The opposition leader asserts that he was the true winner, a assertion rejected by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Forceful measures by security personnel on demonstrators have worried the global community, with the United Nations, AU and EU demanding moderation.
Minister's Accusations
Recently, Nji alleged Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he described as "illegal" demonstrations resulting in the loss of lives, and also rebuked him for claiming win in the election.
He noted that the opposition leader's "associates involved in an subversive plot" will also face legal action.
Vote Outcome
Paul Biya, who took control in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, secured the October 12 election with over half of the votes, compared to 35.2% for his opponent, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Leader's Stance
Issa Tchiroma is has not yet commented to the authorities' move to try him, but he had earlier announced that he would not accept a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.
Following the vote count, he reported that gunmen used lethal force on protesters assembled near his residence in Garoua, fatally wounding at least two civilians.
Inquiry Launched
Earlier this week, the interior minister disclosed that an probe would be started into violent incidents surrounding the declaration of the poll figures.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the perpetrators lost their lives," he commented, without providing a precise figure of protesters who have been killed in the confrontations.
The minister further mentioned that several officers of the law enforcement also received significant wounds.
Current Situation
Even though Nji asserted the condition across the country was now manageable, protesters are still demonstrating in various areas of the nation, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators mounted roadblocks on Tuesday, and burnt tyres on the roads.
Observers caution that the political turmoil could lead the country into a leadership vacuum.