Cameroon Political Opposition Leader Confronts Legal Proceedings Over Post-Election Violence, Authorities Declares
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has announced that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he incited "violent election protests".
At least 4 demonstrators have been killed during skirmishes between law enforcement and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth term in office.
Tchiroma Bakary asserts that he emerged victorious, a claim rejected by the incumbent party, the CPDM.
Forceful measures by law enforcement on protesters have alarmed the global community, with the UN, African Union and EU demanding moderation.
Official's Claims
On Tuesday, the interior minister accused the opposition figure of planning what he labeled "unlawful" protests resulting in the deaths, and also criticised him for announcing success in the electoral contest.
He added that the opposition leader's "associates responsible for an subversive plot" will also undergo judicial processes.
Election Results
The president, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, won the October 12 election with a majority 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 authorities' move to bring him to court, but he had earlier declared that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being taken into custody.
When results were announced, he reported that security forces used lethal force on protesters present near his residence in Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 individuals.
Probe Revealed
On Tuesday, the government official announced that an probe would be launched into clashes prior to and following the publication 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 incidents.
Nji further mentioned that a number of officers of the police and military also received serious injuries.
Current Situation
Although Nji maintained the state of affairs nationwide was now under control, demonstrators continue to protest in certain regions of the country, especially in these two cities, where protesters established barricades on that day, and ignited tires on the streets.
Experts alert that the political turmoil could push the country into a governmental instability.
