Cameroonian Political Opposition Leader Confronts Legal Action Over Electoral Turmoil, Government Says
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has declared that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he incited "aggressive election protests".
At least 4 demonstrators have been fatally wounded during confrontations between police and military and protesters since the presidential election on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state securing an eighth term in office.
Tchiroma Bakary insists that he won the election, a claim rejected by the governing party, the CPDM.
Aggressive responses by law enforcement on protesters have concerned the global community, with the UN, African Union and European Union demanding moderation.
Minister's Allegations
Recently, Nji charged the opposition figure of planning what he labeled "unauthorized" demonstrations resulting in the fatalities, and also condemned him for claiming win in the presidential race.
He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates behind an subversive plot" will also undergo judicial processes.
Vote Outcome
Paul Biya, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the October 12 presidential election with over half of the vote, compared to a significant minority for his opponent, according to the electoral authority.
Opposition Response
Issa Tchiroma is has not yet commented to the authorities' move to try him, but he had before announced that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being arrested.
Following the vote count, he reported that security forces used lethal force on demonstrators present near his home in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 people.
Probe Revealed
Recently, the interior minister announced that an inquiry would be started into violent incidents before and after the announcement of the vote outcome.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals died," he stated, without giving a specific number of demonstrators who have been killed in the clashes.
Nji added that multiple personnel of the law enforcement also sustained significant wounds.
Ongoing Circumstances
While the interior minister asserted the state of affairs throughout Cameroon was now stable, demonstrators continue to protest in various areas of the nation, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators set up obstructions on Tuesday, and burnt tyres on the thoroughfares.
Experts caution that the post-electoral violence could push the country into a political crisis.