Cameroonian Opposition Leader Confronts Legal Action Regarding Post-Election Violence, Authorities Declares
The nation's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has declared that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over allegations that he incited "violent electoral rallies".
No fewer than four protesters have been killed 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.
Tchiroma Bakary asserts that he was the true winner, a statement disputed by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Aggressive responses by security personnel on demonstrators have concerned the international community, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union urging caution.
Official's Allegations
Recently, Nji alleged Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he described as "unlawful" protests causing the deaths, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the electoral contest.
He further stated that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators involved in an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action.
Poll Figures
The president, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, obtained the 12 October presidential election with a majority of the votes, compared to 35.2% for his opponent, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Opposition Response
Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the government's decision to prosecute him, but he had earlier announced that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.
When results were announced, he reported that armed men opened fire on protesters gathered near his house in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least two individuals.
Inquiry Launched
Recently, the interior minister disclosed that an probe would be started into clashes prior to and following the announcement of the vote outcome.
"During these attacks, some of the perpetrators died," he said, without giving a exact count of demonstrators who have been killed in the clashes.
The minister noted that multiple personnel of the police and military also suffered serious injuries.
Current Situation
Although the interior minister maintained the condition throughout Cameroon was now stable, protesters are still demonstrating in various areas of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters mounted obstructions on Tuesday, and set fire to tyres on the roads.
Experts alert that the post-electoral violence could push the country into a governmental instability.