Cameroonian Opposition Figure to Face Legal Proceedings Over Post-Election Violence, Authorities Says
The nation's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has stated that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over claims that he provoked "violent electoral rallies".
At least four protesters have been killed during clashes between police and military and protesters since Cameroon's election on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth term in office.
Issa Tchiroma maintains that he emerged victorious, a assertion rejected by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.
Aggressive responses by law enforcement on protesters have alarmed the global community, with the UN, African Union and EU urging caution.
Official's Accusations
Recently, Nji alleged Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he described as "unlawful" protests leading to the loss of lives, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the election.
He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices involved in an subversive plot" will also face legal action.
Poll Figures
The president, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the 12 October vote with over half of the ballots, compared to just over a third for his opponent, according to the electoral authority.
Leader's Stance
Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the government's decision to prosecute him, but he had previously declared that he would not accept a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.
Following the vote count, he reported that security forces used lethal force on demonstrators gathered near his residence in Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 people.
Probe Announced
Earlier this week, the interior minister disclosed that an probe would be initiated into unrest prior to and following the announcement of the election results.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals died," he said, without offering a precise figure of protesters who have been killed in the confrontations.
Nji added that several officers of the security forces also received serious injuries.
Ongoing Circumstances
Even though the interior minister asserted the condition throughout Cameroon was now stable, demonstrators remain active in certain regions of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators set up roadblocks on that day, and set fire to rubber on the roads.
Observers warn that the election-related unrest could plunge the nation into a political crisis.
