Cameroon Political Opposition Figure Faces Legal Proceedings Over Election Unrest, Government Declares
The nation's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has stated that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over accusations that he incited "aggressive electoral rallies".
A minimum of four protesters have been killed during clashes between police and military and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 winning an eighth consecutive term.
Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he won the election, a claim rejected by Biya's ruling party, the ruling CPDM.
Violent crackdowns by security personnel on demonstrators have concerned the international community, with the United Nations, African Union and EU demanding moderation.
Minister's Accusations
On Tuesday, Nji alleged the opposition figure of coordinating what he labeled "illegal" protests resulting in the loss of lives, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the election.
He added that the opposition leader's "associates responsible for an subversive plot" will also be prosecuted.
Election Results
Cameroon's leader, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the October 12 vote with 53.7% of the vote, compared to 35.2% for his opponent, according to the electoral authority.
Leader's Stance
Tchiroma Bakary is has not yet commented to the authorities' move to prosecute him, but he had previously declared that he rejected a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being arrested.
On election result day, he said that armed men shot on demonstrators present near his residence in the city of Garoua, killing at least 2 people.
Investigation Launched
On Tuesday, the government official revealed that an investigation would be initiated into clashes before and after the declaration of the vote outcome.
"During these attacks, some of the criminals were killed," he stated, without giving a precise figure of demonstrators who have been killed in the incidents.
The minister further mentioned that several personnel of the police and military also received significant wounds.
Present Conditions
Even though the interior minister maintained the condition across the country was now stable, demonstrators continue to protest in certain regions of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters set up obstructions on that day, and set fire to tyres on the streets.
Analysts warn that the election-related unrest could push the nation into a political crisis.