Cameroonian Opposition Figure Faces Legal Proceedings Over Election Unrest, Government Says
Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has announced that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over claims that he instigated "violent post-election demonstrations".
A minimum of 4 demonstrators have been lost their lives during confrontations between police and military and opposition supporters since the electoral process on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 securing an eighth presidential mandate.
The opposition leader insists that he won the election, a statement dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.
Forceful measures by law enforcement on protesters have alarmed the global community, with the United Nations, AU and EU urging restraint.
Minister's Accusations
Recently, the interior minister accused Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he referred to as "illegal" rallies causing the loss of lives, and also criticised him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.
He added that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also be prosecuted.
Vote Outcome
Paul Biya, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, won the 12 October election with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.
Opposition Response
Tchiroma Bakary is yet to respond to the official announcement to prosecute him, but he had earlier stated that he rejected a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being taken into custody.
Following the vote count, he claimed that security forces opened fire on protesters gathered near his house in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least two individuals.
Investigation Announced
On Tuesday, the government official announced that an probe would be initiated into clashes before and after the declaration of the vote outcome.
"Throughout the violence, some of the criminals died," he said, without giving a precise figure of demonstrators who have been killed in the incidents.
The minister added that several personnel of the security forces also sustained significant wounds.
Current Situation
Although the interior minister insisted the condition throughout Cameroon was now under control, demonstrators remain active in certain regions of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters mounted roadblocks on Tuesday, and ignited tyres on the streets.
Observers warn that the political turmoil could plunge the country into a leadership vacuum.
