Cameroonian Opposition Leader to Face Court Action Concerning Electoral Turmoil, Government Says
Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has announced that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over claims that he instigated "violent electoral rallies".
No fewer than 4 protesters have been killed during skirmishes between police and military and opposition supporters since the presidential election on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya winning an eighth term in office.
Issa Tchiroma maintains that he was the true winner, a statement dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.
Aggressive responses by security personnel on demonstrators have worried the global community, with the UN, African Union and European Union demanding caution.
Official's Allegations
On Tuesday, the interior minister accused Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he referred to as "illegal" rallies resulting in the loss of lives, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.
He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators behind an insurrectionary plan" will also be prosecuted.
Poll Figures
Paul Biya, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, secured the October 12 vote with over half of the vote, compared to a significant minority for his opponent, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Opposition Response
Tchiroma Bakary is has not yet commented to the official announcement to prosecute him, but he had earlier stated that he rejected a fraudulent outcome - and that he was undaunted of being taken into custody.
When results were announced, he reported that security forces opened fire on demonstrators gathered near his residence in the city of Garoua, killing at least two individuals.
Inquiry Announced
On Tuesday, the government official announced that an probe would be started into unrest surrounding the announcement of the election results.
"Throughout the violence, some of the perpetrators lost their lives," he said, without offering a specific number of protesters who have been killed in the confrontations.
Nji further mentioned that a number of personnel of the police and military also sustained major harm.
Current Situation
While Nji maintained the state of affairs nationwide was now stable, demonstrators remain active in some parts of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters set up obstructions on Tuesday, and ignited tires on the streets.
Analysts alert that the post-electoral violence could push the country into a governmental instability.