Cameroonian Political Opposition Figure Faces Court Action Over Post-Election Violence, Authorities Declares
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has announced that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over allegations that he incited "violent electoral rallies".
At least four protesters have been lost their lives during clashes between security forces and demonstrators since the electoral process on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya securing an eighth consecutive term.
Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he emerged victorious, a statement rejected by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Aggressive responses by security personnel on protesters have concerned the international community, with the UN, African Union and EU urging restraint.
Minister's Allegations
Recently, Nji accused the opposition figure of coordinating what he referred to as "illegal" rallies leading to the loss of lives, and also condemned him for announcing success in the election.
He noted that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators involved in an insurrectionary plan" will also undergo judicial processes.
Election Results
The president, who came to power in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the 12 October vote with over half of the votes, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to the electoral authority.
Challenger's Position
Issa Tchiroma is yet to respond to the authorities' move to prosecute him, but he had previously stated that he rejected a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being detained.
When results were announced, he reported that gunmen shot on protesters gathered near his house in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 civilians.
Investigation Revealed
Recently, the government official revealed that an probe would be started into violent incidents surrounding the announcement of the poll figures.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals were killed," he commented, without providing a exact count of protesters who have been killed in the confrontations.
Nji further mentioned that several members of the security forces also sustained significant wounds.
Present Conditions
Although Nji insisted the condition across the country was now manageable, protesters are still demonstrating in certain regions of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters set up obstructions on that day, and set fire to tyres on the thoroughfares.
Experts alert that the political turmoil could push the country into a leadership vacuum.