Cameroonian Political Opposition Leader to Face Legal Action Over Electoral Turmoil, Government Declares
The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has stated that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over claims that he provoked "violent post-election demonstrations".
A minimum of 4 protesters have been killed during clashes between security forces and demonstrators since the presidential election on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 winning an eighth presidential mandate.
Tchiroma Bakary insists that he won the election, a statement dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the ruling CPDM.
Forceful measures by police and security officers on demonstrators have alarmed the world leaders, with the UN, AU and EU calling for restraint.
Minister's Claims
On Tuesday, the interior minister charged Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he referred to as "illegal" protests resulting in the loss of lives, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the election.
He noted that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators responsible for an subversive plot" will also face legal action.
Election Results
Paul Biya, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, secured the October 12 presidential election with 53.7% of the votes, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.
Challenger's Position
The opposition figure is yet to respond to the official announcement to try him, but he had before declared that he rejected a fraudulent outcome - and that he was fearless of being taken into custody.
When results were announced, he said that security forces used lethal force on protesters present near his house in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least two individuals.
Probe Revealed
On Tuesday, the interior minister revealed that an investigation would be started into unrest surrounding the declaration of the vote outcome.
"Throughout the violence, some of the criminals lost their lives," he said, without offering a specific number of demonstrators who have been killed in the clashes.
Nji further mentioned that multiple members of the law enforcement also suffered serious injuries.
Current Situation
While the interior minister insisted the state of affairs across the country was now under control, demonstrators continue to protest in some parts of the country, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators established obstructions on that day, and burnt tires on the roads.
Experts alert that the political turmoil could push the country into a political crisis.