Cameroon Political Opposition Leader Faces Legal Proceedings Over Election Unrest, Government Announces
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has declared that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he instigated "aggressive post-election demonstrations".
At least 4 protesters have been fatally wounded during clashes between law enforcement and protesters since the electoral process on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 winning an eighth presidential mandate.
Issa Tchiroma insists that he emerged victorious, a statement dismissed by the governing party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Aggressive responses by security personnel on protesters have alarmed the world leaders, with the United Nations, African Union and EU calling for moderation.
Minister's Allegations
Earlier this week, Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he referred to as "illegal" protests leading to the deaths, and also rebuked him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.
He further stated that the opposition leader's "accomplices involved in an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.
Poll Figures
Paul Biya, who took control in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the October 12 election with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to the electoral authority.
Opposition Response
The opposition figure is has not yet commented to the government's decision to try him, but he had previously declared that he rejected a rigged election - and that he was not afraid of being taken into custody.
On election result day, he said that security forces opened fire on protesters present near his residence in Garoua, fatally wounding at least two individuals.
Inquiry Announced
Earlier this week, the interior minister announced that an probe would be initiated into clashes surrounding the publication of the election results.
"Throughout the violence, some of the perpetrators died," he stated, without offering a exact count of protesters who have been fatally injured in the confrontations.
The minister added that multiple officers of the security forces also sustained serious injuries.
Present Conditions
Although the interior minister asserted the state of affairs throughout Cameroon was now under control, protesters are still demonstrating in certain regions of the nation, especially in these two cities, where protesters set up roadblocks on that day, and burnt tyres on the roads.
Analysts alert that the post-electoral violence could push the country into a governmental instability.