Cameroonian Opposition Figure Confronts Court Action Over Post-Election Violence, Government Announces
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has declared that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over claims that he instigated "aggressive electoral rallies".
At least 4 protesters have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between police and military and demonstrators since the electoral process on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya securing an eighth consecutive term.
Tchiroma Bakary insists that he was the true winner, a assertion rejected by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.
Violent crackdowns by security personnel on demonstrators have worried the global community, with the UN, AU and EU urging restraint.
Minister's Claims
Earlier this week, the interior minister alleged the opposition figure of organising what he labeled "illegal" rallies leading to the fatalities, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the presidential race.
He added that the opposition leader's "accomplices responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also undergo judicial processes.
Poll Figures
Paul Biya, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, obtained the 12 October election with over half of the votes, compared to just over a third for his opponent, according to the electoral authority.
Opposition Response
Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the government's decision to prosecute him, but he had earlier declared that he rejected a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being detained.
On election result day, he reported that gunmen opened fire on demonstrators present near his residence in Garoua, fatally wounding at least two people.
Investigation Launched
On Tuesday, the interior minister announced that an inquiry would be started into clashes before and after the declaration of the vote outcome.
"Throughout the violence, some of the individuals involved died," he commented, without providing a exact count of demonstrators who have been killed in the incidents.
The minister further mentioned that several members of the security forces also received major harm.
Current Situation
Although the interior minister maintained the state of affairs throughout Cameroon was now manageable, demonstrators are still demonstrating in some parts of the country, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators mounted roadblocks on that day, and set fire to tyres on the thoroughfares.
Experts alert that the election-related unrest could push the country into a governmental instability.
