Cameroonian Political Opposition Figure Confronts Legal Proceedings Concerning Election Unrest, Authorities Announces
The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has announced that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over allegations that he instigated "aggressive post-election demonstrations".
No fewer than 4 protesters have been killed during confrontations between police and military and protesters since the presidential election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.
The opposition leader asserts that he emerged victorious, a statement disputed by the governing party, the CPDM.
Aggressive responses by police and security officers on demonstrators have worried the global community, with the UN, AU and EU demanding restraint.
Minister's Accusations
Recently, Nji charged Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he labeled "unauthorized" rallies resulting in the fatalities, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.
He further stated that the opposition leader's "accomplices behind an insurrectionary plan" will also be prosecuted.
Election Results
Cameroon's leader, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, won the October 12 presidential election with over half of the vote, compared to a significant minority for the challenger, according to the electoral authority.
Leader's Stance
The opposition figure is has not yet commented to the government's decision to prosecute him, but he had earlier announced that he would not accept a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being taken into custody.
Following the vote count, he said that armed men opened fire on protesters assembled near his house in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 people.
Probe Launched
Recently, the interior minister announced that an inquiry would be launched into unrest surrounding the publication of the poll figures.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the perpetrators lost their lives," he said, without providing a precise figure of protesters who have been killed in the incidents.
The minister noted that several members of the police and military also sustained significant wounds.
Ongoing Circumstances
While the interior minister asserted the condition nationwide was now manageable, protesters remain active in various areas of the country, especially in these two cities, where protesters mounted obstructions on Tuesday, and set fire to rubber on the thoroughfares.
Experts warn that the post-electoral violence could push the country into a political crisis.