Cameroon Political Opposition Figure Confronts Legal Proceedings Concerning Election Unrest, Authorities Says
Cameroon's Interior Minister 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 four demonstrators have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between law enforcement and demonstrators since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 securing an eighth term in office.
Issa Tchiroma asserts that he won the election, a claim rejected by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.
Violent crackdowns by law enforcement on protesters have alarmed the international community, with the UN, African Union and EU urging moderation.
Official's Accusations
Earlier this week, Nji alleged the opposition figure of organising what he described as "unauthorized" rallies leading to the deaths, and also condemned him for announcing success in the electoral contest.
He further stated that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators involved in an subversive plot" will also face legal action.
Poll Figures
Paul Biya, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the 12 October presidential election with a majority of the votes, compared to a significant minority for his opponent, according to the electoral authority.
Leader's Stance
Tchiroma Bakary is yet to respond to the authorities' move to bring him to court, but he had earlier announced that he would not accept a fraudulent outcome - and that he was not afraid of being detained.
On election result day, he reported that security forces opened fire on protesters present near his home in the city of Garoua, killing at least 2 people.
Inquiry Launched
Earlier this week, the interior minister announced that an investigation would be started into unrest prior to and following the declaration of the election results.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the perpetrators were killed," he stated, without giving a specific number of demonstrators who have been killed in the clashes.
Nji noted that multiple officers of the police and military also sustained significant wounds.
Present Conditions
Even though Nji maintained the condition throughout Cameroon was now stable, protesters are still demonstrating in certain regions of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters mounted obstructions on Tuesday, and burnt rubber on the roads.
Experts alert that the election-related unrest could plunge the country into a governmental instability.