Cameroon Political Opposition Figure to Face Court Action Concerning Post-Election Violence, Government Announces
The nation's Interior Minister the interior minister has stated that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over claims that he incited "violent electoral rallies".
A minimum of four protesters have been killed during clashes between security forces and protesters since the presidential election on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya winning an eighth presidential mandate.
Tchiroma Bakary insists that he emerged victorious, a claim rejected by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.
Forceful measures by security personnel on protesters have worried the world leaders, with the UN, AU and European Union demanding caution.
Minister's Claims
Recently, the interior minister accused Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he labeled "unauthorized" rallies causing the loss of lives, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.
He noted that the opposition leader's "associates involved in an subversive plot" will also face legal action.
Election Results
The president, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, obtained the 12 October presidential election with a majority of the vote, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Opposition Response
The opposition figure is remains silent to the government's decision to try him, but he had earlier declared that he rejected a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being taken into custody.
Following the vote count, he claimed that gunmen shot on demonstrators present near his residence in Garoua, causing the death of at least two people.
Investigation Launched
Earlier this week, the interior minister disclosed that an probe would be started into clashes prior to and following the announcement of the poll figures.
"Throughout the violence, some of the perpetrators were killed," he stated, without giving a specific number of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the incidents.
Nji noted that several officers of the security forces also suffered serious injuries.
Current Situation
Although Nji maintained the state of affairs throughout Cameroon was now stable, demonstrators continue to protest in various areas of the country, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators mounted barricades on Tuesday, and set fire to rubber on the roads.
Analysts caution that the election-related unrest could plunge the country into a leadership vacuum.