Cameroon Opposition Figure Confronts Legal Action Regarding Electoral Turmoil, Government Declares
The nation's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has announced that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over claims that he incited "violent electoral rallies".
No fewer than four demonstrators have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between law enforcement and opposition supporters since the electoral process on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth consecutive term.
Tchiroma Bakary asserts that he was the true winner, a statement rejected by the governing party, the ruling CPDM.
Violent crackdowns by police and security officers on protesters have alarmed the international community, with the United Nations, AU and EU urging restraint.
Official's Claims
Recently, Nji alleged the opposition figure of organising what he described as "unauthorized" demonstrations resulting in the loss of lives, and also criticised him for claiming win in the election.
He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also face legal action.
Vote Outcome
Paul Biya, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, won the October 12 vote with over half of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.
Opposition Response
Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the government's decision to prosecute him, but he had previously announced that he rejected a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being taken into custody.
On election result day, he claimed that gunmen opened fire on demonstrators assembled near his home in the city of Garoua, killing at least 2 civilians.
Inquiry Revealed
Earlier this week, the interior minister revealed that an inquiry would be launched into unrest prior to and following the publication of the poll figures.
"During these attacks, some of the individuals involved lost their lives," he stated, without offering a specific number of protesters who have been lost their lives in the clashes.
Nji further mentioned that several officers of the police and military also sustained significant wounds.
Present Conditions
Although the interior minister asserted the state of affairs nationwide was now manageable, demonstrators are still demonstrating in certain regions of the nation, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators mounted obstructions on Tuesday, and burnt rubber on the thoroughfares.
Analysts alert that the election-related unrest could lead the country into a leadership vacuum.