Cameroon Political Opposition Leader Faces Court Action Concerning Election Unrest, Government Says
The nation's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has announced that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he incited "violent electoral rallies".
No fewer than 4 demonstrators have been killed during clashes between law enforcement and protesters since the electoral process on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 winning an eighth term in office.
The opposition leader asserts that he emerged victorious, a assertion disputed by the incumbent party, the CPDM.
Forceful measures by law enforcement on demonstrators have worried the international community, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union urging restraint.
Official's Accusations
Earlier this week, Nji accused the opposition figure of organising what he described as "unlawful" demonstrations leading to the fatalities, and also condemned him for claiming win in the election.
He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators behind an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.
Election Results
Cameroon's leader, who took control in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, secured the 12 October vote with 53.7% of the vote, compared to 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the constitutional court.
Opposition Response
The opposition figure is has not yet commented to the government's decision to prosecute him, but he had earlier declared that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being detained.
Following the vote count, he said that gunmen opened fire on protesters present near his residence in the city of Garoua, killing at least 2 civilians.
Inquiry Revealed
On Tuesday, the government official announced that an investigation would be launched into clashes before and after the announcement of the election results.
"Throughout the violence, some of the individuals involved lost their lives," he commented, without giving a exact count of demonstrators who have been killed in the incidents.
The minister added that a number of officers of the police and military also received significant wounds.
Ongoing Circumstances
Although Nji maintained the state of affairs across the country was now manageable, demonstrators are still demonstrating in various areas of the nation, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators set up obstructions on Tuesday, and ignited tyres on the thoroughfares.
Analysts alert that the post-electoral violence could plunge the country into a political crisis.
