Cameroonian Opposition Leader Faces Court Action Regarding Post-Election Violence, Authorities Announces
Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has announced that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over claims that he instigated "aggressive post-election demonstrations".
A minimum of four protesters have been lost their lives during confrontations between police and military and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 winning an eighth term in office.
The opposition leader asserts that he emerged victorious, a claim dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Forceful measures by security personnel on demonstrators have alarmed the global community, with the United Nations, AU and EU urging moderation.
Official's Allegations
Recently, the interior minister alleged the opposition figure of planning what he described as "unauthorized" demonstrations resulting in the fatalities, and also criticised him for claiming win in the presidential race.
He further stated that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators behind an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action.
Election Results
The president, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, won the 12 October election with over half of the votes, compared to just over a third for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the constitutional court.
Challenger's Position
Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the government's decision to prosecute him, but he had previously announced that he rejected a stolen vote - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.
When results were announced, he said that armed men used lethal force on demonstrators assembled near his residence in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 people.
Inquiry Launched
Earlier this week, the interior minister disclosed that an inquiry would be initiated into unrest surrounding the declaration of the poll figures.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals lost their lives," he said, without providing a exact count of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the clashes.
Nji added that multiple personnel of the security forces also suffered serious injuries.
Present Conditions
Even though the interior minister insisted the state of affairs nationwide was now manageable, protesters continue to protest in certain regions of the nation, especially in urban centers, where protesters mounted roadblocks on Tuesday, and set fire to rubber on the streets.
Observers caution that the election-related unrest could lead the country into a political crisis.