Cameroonian Opposition Leader to Face Court Action Concerning Electoral Turmoil, Authorities Announces
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has announced that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over allegations that he instigated "violent election protests".
At least 4 demonstrators have been fatally wounded during confrontations between security forces and demonstrators since the electoral process on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 securing an eighth presidential mandate.
Issa Tchiroma maintains that he was the true winner, a assertion disputed by the governing party, the CPDM.
Forceful measures by law enforcement on demonstrators have concerned the international community, with the UN, AU and European Union urging caution.
Official's Allegations
On Tuesday, Nji accused the opposition figure of organising what he described as "unauthorized" protests leading to the loss of lives, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the presidential race.
He noted that the opposition leader's "associates responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also face legal action.
Poll Figures
Paul Biya, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the October 12 vote with a majority of the ballots, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.
Leader's Stance
The opposition figure is yet to respond to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had previously declared that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being arrested.
Following the vote count, he reported that security forces shot on demonstrators assembled near his residence in Garoua, causing the death of at least two individuals.
Probe Revealed
Earlier this week, the government official revealed that an inquiry would be launched into violent incidents prior to and following the announcement of the vote outcome.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals died," he commented, without providing a exact count of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the incidents.
The minister added that a number of members of the police and military also sustained serious injuries.
Current Situation
While Nji asserted the condition across the country was now stable, protesters remain active in some parts of the country, especially in urban centers, where protesters mounted roadblocks on that day, and set fire to rubber on the thoroughfares.
Observers warn that the election-related unrest could plunge the country into a governmental instability.