Cameroonian Political Opposition Leader Confronts Legal Proceedings Concerning Election Unrest, Government Announces
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has announced that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he provoked "violent election protests".
A minimum of 4 protesters have been fatally wounded during clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators since the presidential election on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth consecutive term.
The opposition leader asserts that he emerged victorious, a claim dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the ruling CPDM.
Aggressive responses by law enforcement on protesters have worried the global community, with the UN, AU and EU demanding moderation.
Official's Claims
Earlier this week, the interior minister accused Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he described as "unlawful" protests causing the loss of lives, and also criticised him for claiming win in the election.
He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators behind an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.
Election Results
Paul Biya, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the October 12 vote with over half of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for Tchiroma Bakary, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Leader's Stance
The opposition figure is yet to respond to the official announcement to prosecute him, but he had before declared that he would not accept a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being taken into custody.
On election result day, he claimed that armed men opened fire on protesters assembled near his home in Garoua, fatally wounding at least two individuals.
Inquiry Launched
Earlier this week, the government official disclosed that an inquiry would be launched into unrest prior to and following the declaration of the vote outcome.
"Throughout the violence, some of the criminals were killed," he said, without providing a precise figure of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the confrontations.
Nji noted that multiple officers of the security forces also sustained significant wounds.
Present Conditions
While the interior minister maintained the situation nationwide was now stable, demonstrators continue to protest in some parts of the country, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators set up obstructions on Tuesday, and ignited tyres on the thoroughfares.
Observers caution that the election-related unrest could plunge the nation into a governmental instability.