Cameroon Opposition Figure to Face Legal Proceedings Concerning Electoral Turmoil, Government Says
The nation's Interior Minister the interior minister has announced that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over accusations that he incited "violent election protests".
No fewer than 4 protesters have been killed during clashes between security forces and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth consecutive term.
Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he emerged victorious, a claim dismissed by the incumbent party, the ruling CPDM.
Aggressive responses by security personnel on demonstrators have concerned the international community, with the UN, African Union and EU urging caution.
Minister's Accusations
Earlier this week, the interior minister charged Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he described as "unlawful" demonstrations causing the fatalities, and also criticised him for declaring victory in the election.
He noted that the opposition leader's "associates involved in an subversive plot" will also be prosecuted.
Election Results
The president, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the October 12 vote with a majority of the votes, compared to 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the constitutional court.
Opposition Response
The opposition figure is remains silent to the authorities' move to try him, but he had previously declared that he rejected a stolen vote - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.
When results were announced, he reported that gunmen opened fire on demonstrators assembled near his house in Garoua, causing the death of at least two civilians.
Probe Revealed
Earlier this week, the interior minister revealed that an inquiry would be launched into clashes prior to and following the publication of the poll figures.
"Throughout the violence, some of the perpetrators were killed," he stated, without offering a specific number of protesters who have been lost their lives in the clashes.
Nji added that several members of the law enforcement also received significant wounds.
Ongoing Circumstances
While the interior minister maintained the situation throughout Cameroon was now stable, protesters remain active in certain regions of the country, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators established barricades on that day, and burnt tyres on the thoroughfares.
Experts warn that the election-related unrest could plunge the country into a leadership vacuum.