Cameroonian Opposition Leader to Face Court Action Over Electoral Turmoil, Authorities Declares
The nation's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has declared that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over allegations that he incited "aggressive election protests".
No fewer than 4 demonstrators have been lost their lives during skirmishes between security forces and opposition supporters since the presidential election on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya securing an eighth consecutive term.
Tchiroma Bakary asserts that he was the true winner, a claim rejected by the governing party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Violent crackdowns by law enforcement on protesters have concerned the global community, with the UN, AU and EU urging moderation.
Official's Claims
On Tuesday, Nji accused the opposition figure of organising what he referred to as "unauthorized" demonstrations resulting in the loss of lives, and also condemned him for claiming win in the election.
He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates responsible for an subversive plot" will also undergo judicial processes.
Poll Figures
Cameroon's leader, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the 12 October vote with a majority of the ballots, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.
Leader's Stance
Tchiroma Bakary is has not yet commented to the official announcement to prosecute him, but he had before stated that he refused to acknowledge a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being taken into custody.
When results were announced, he said that gunmen used lethal force on demonstrators gathered near his residence in Garoua, killing at least 2 individuals.
Investigation Revealed
On Tuesday, the interior minister revealed that an investigation would be initiated into violent incidents surrounding the announcement of the election results.
"During these attacks, some of the criminals lost their lives," he stated, without offering a specific number of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the incidents.
The minister noted that multiple members of the police and military also sustained major harm.
Present Conditions
Although Nji insisted the state of affairs nationwide was now under control, protesters continue to protest in various areas of the country, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators established barricades on that day, and set fire to tyres on the thoroughfares.
Observers alert that the political turmoil could push the nation into a political crisis.