Cameroonian Opposition Leader to Face Legal Action Regarding Election Unrest, Authorities Announces
The nation's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has announced that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over accusations that he instigated "violent electoral rallies".
No fewer than 4 protesters have been lost their lives during confrontations between police and military and opposition supporters since the presidential election on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.
Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he emerged victorious, a statement dismissed by the incumbent party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Aggressive responses by law enforcement on protesters have alarmed the global community, with the UN, AU and EU calling for caution.
Minister's Claims
Recently, Nji alleged Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he described as "illegal" demonstrations leading to the loss of lives, and also condemned him for claiming win in the electoral contest.
He added that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators behind an subversive plot" will also undergo judicial processes.
Vote Outcome
Cameroon's leader, who took control in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, won the October 12 vote with 53.7% of the votes, compared to 35.2% for his opponent, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Challenger's Position
Tchiroma Bakary is has not yet commented to the government's decision to try him, but he had previously announced that he refused to acknowledge a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being taken into custody.
When results were announced, he reported that armed men used lethal force on demonstrators present near his house in Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 civilians.
Probe Announced
Earlier this week, the interior minister announced that an inquiry would be launched into clashes before and after the announcement of the vote outcome.
"During these attacks, some of the criminals died," he stated, without providing a exact count of protesters who have been fatally injured in the clashes.
The minister noted that several officers of the law enforcement also received significant wounds.
Present Conditions
While the interior minister insisted the situation nationwide was now stable, demonstrators continue to protest in some parts of the nation, especially in these two cities, where protesters mounted roadblocks on that day, and ignited tyres on the roads.
Analysts caution that the election-related unrest could lead the country into a political crisis.