Cameroon Political Opposition Figure to Face Legal Action Regarding Election Unrest, Government Says
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has stated that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over claims that he incited "violent post-election demonstrations".
At least 4 protesters have been lost their lives during clashes between law enforcement and protesters since the electoral process on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth consecutive term.
Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he emerged victorious, a claim disputed by Biya's ruling party, the ruling CPDM.
Aggressive responses by police and security officers on demonstrators have concerned the world leaders, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union urging restraint.
Official's Claims
Earlier this week, Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he referred to as "illegal" protests leading to the loss of lives, and also condemned him for announcing success in the presidential race.
He noted that the opposition leader's "accomplices involved in an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.
Vote Outcome
Cameroon's leader, who took control in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, won the 12 October vote with a majority of the votes, compared to 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the constitutional court.
Opposition Response
Tchiroma Bakary is has not yet commented to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had before stated that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being arrested.
Following the vote count, he reported that armed men shot on protesters gathered near his house in Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 individuals.
Inquiry Revealed
On Tuesday, the interior minister disclosed that an probe would be launched into clashes surrounding the publication of the vote outcome.
"During these attacks, some of the perpetrators died," he commented, without giving a exact count of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the incidents.
The minister further mentioned that multiple personnel of the law enforcement also received serious injuries.
Current Situation
Even though the interior minister insisted the situation throughout Cameroon was now stable, protesters are still demonstrating in various areas of the nation, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators set up barricades on Tuesday, and burnt tyres on the roads.
Analysts alert that the election-related unrest could plunge the country into a political crisis.