Cameroon Opposition Figure to Face Court Action Over Post-Election Violence, Government Says
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has stated that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he instigated "violent electoral rallies".
At least 4 protesters have been killed during clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators since the electoral process on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya winning an eighth consecutive term.
Issa Tchiroma insists that he emerged victorious, a statement rejected by the incumbent party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Aggressive responses by law enforcement on protesters have worried the world leaders, with the UN, AU and European Union calling for restraint.
Official's Allegations
Recently, the interior minister accused the opposition figure of planning what he labeled "illegal" demonstrations causing the deaths, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the presidential race.
He further stated that the opposition leader's "associates involved in an subversive plot" will also be prosecuted.
Vote Outcome
The president, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, won the 12 October election with a majority of the vote, compared to a significant minority for his opponent, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Leader's Stance
The opposition figure is remains silent to the official announcement to bring him to court, but he had before announced that he rejected a stolen vote - and that he was undaunted of being taken into custody.
When results were announced, he reported that gunmen used lethal force on protesters assembled near his residence in Garoua, killing at least two people.
Investigation Launched
On Tuesday, the interior minister disclosed that an probe would be initiated into violent incidents before and after the publication of the vote outcome.
"During these attacks, some of the individuals involved died," he stated, without providing a exact count of protesters who have been fatally injured in the clashes.
The minister further mentioned that a number of members of the police and military also suffered serious injuries.
Present Conditions
Even though Nji insisted the situation across the country was now under control, protesters remain active in certain regions of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators established obstructions on Tuesday, and burnt tyres on the thoroughfares.
Analysts alert that the political turmoil could plunge the nation into a governmental instability.
