Cameroonian Opposition Leader Confronts Legal Proceedings Concerning Electoral Turmoil, Authorities Declares
The nation's Interior Minister the interior minister has declared that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he provoked "aggressive election protests".
No fewer than 4 protesters have been killed during confrontations between police and military and opposition supporters since the electoral process on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya obtaining an eighth term in office.
The opposition leader maintains that he won the election, a statement rejected by the incumbent party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Violent crackdowns by security personnel on demonstrators have concerned the world leaders, with the UN, AU and European Union calling for restraint.
Minister's Allegations
On Tuesday, Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he referred to as "illegal" rallies resulting in the loss of lives, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the electoral contest.
He further stated that the opposition leader's "accomplices responsible for an subversive plot" will also undergo judicial processes.
Vote Outcome
The president, who took control in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, won the October 12 presidential election with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for his opponent, according to the constitutional court.
Leader's Stance
Issa Tchiroma is has not yet commented to the official announcement to prosecute him, but he had earlier stated that he refused to acknowledge a fraudulent outcome - and that he was not afraid of being taken into custody.
On election result day, he reported that gunmen shot on protesters gathered near his house in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 people.
Investigation Announced
Earlier this week, the government official revealed that an probe would be launched into clashes prior to and following the declaration of the vote outcome.
"During these attacks, some of the perpetrators lost their lives," he stated, without offering a exact count of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the confrontations.
The minister further mentioned that several officers of the law enforcement also received serious injuries.
Current Situation
Even though the interior minister asserted the situation nationwide was now stable, protesters are still demonstrating in various areas of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters mounted obstructions on that day, and burnt tyres on the roads.
Analysts warn that the post-electoral violence could push the nation into a leadership vacuum.