Cameroonian Political Opposition Leader to Face Legal Action Over Post-Election Violence, Authorities Declares
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has stated that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he instigated "aggressive electoral rallies".
At least four demonstrators have been killed during clashes between security forces and opposition supporters since the electoral process on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 winning an eighth consecutive term.
The opposition leader insists that he won the election, a assertion dismissed by the incumbent party, the CPDM.
Forceful measures by security personnel on protesters have alarmed the international community, with the United Nations, AU and European Union demanding restraint.
Minister's Claims
On Tuesday, the interior minister charged Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he labeled "unauthorized" demonstrations leading to the deaths, and also criticised him for announcing success in the electoral contest.
He further stated that the opposition leader's "associates behind an subversive plot" will also undergo judicial processes.
Vote Outcome
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 a significant minority for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.
Opposition Response
Tchiroma Bakary is has not yet commented 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 arrested.
When results were announced, he said that security forces used lethal force on demonstrators present near his house in the city of Garoua, killing at least two civilians.
Inquiry Launched
Recently, the interior minister disclosed that an investigation would be initiated into clashes surrounding the declaration of the election results.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the perpetrators lost their lives," he stated, without providing a exact count of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the incidents.
The minister noted that multiple officers of the police and military also sustained significant wounds.
Ongoing Circumstances
While Nji insisted the situation across the country was now manageable, protesters continue to protest in some parts of the nation, especially in urban centers, where protesters established obstructions on Tuesday, and burnt tyres on the thoroughfares.
Observers caution that the political turmoil could push the country into a governmental instability.