Cameroon Political Opposition Leader Faces Court Action Regarding Electoral Turmoil, Authorities Declares
The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has declared that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over claims that he provoked "violent electoral rallies".
At least four protesters have been killed during clashes between police and military and opposition supporters since the presidential election on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.
The opposition leader maintains that he won the election, a assertion disputed by Biya's ruling party, the ruling CPDM.
Aggressive responses by security personnel on demonstrators have alarmed the international community, with the UN, AU and EU calling for caution.
Official's Accusations
Earlier this week, Nji accused the opposition figure of coordinating what he referred to as "unauthorized" protests leading to the fatalities, and also criticised him for claiming win in the presidential race.
He noted that the opposition leader's "associates behind an subversive plot" will also undergo judicial processes.
Poll Figures
Cameroon's leader, who took control in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the 12 October presidential election with over half of the votes, compared to 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Challenger's Position
Tchiroma Bakary is remains silent to the official announcement to bring him to court, but he had previously announced that he refused to acknowledge a rigged election - and that he was fearless of being detained.
When results were announced, he claimed that security forces used lethal force on demonstrators assembled near his house in Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 individuals.
Investigation Revealed
Recently, the government official announced that an investigation would be initiated into unrest prior to and following the declaration of the election results.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals died," he said, without giving a specific number of protesters who have been lost their lives in the confrontations.
The minister noted that multiple officers of the law enforcement also sustained serious injuries.
Current Situation
While the interior minister insisted the situation nationwide was now under control, protesters are still demonstrating in certain regions of the nation, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators established obstructions on Tuesday, and ignited tyres on the roads.
Experts alert that the political turmoil could lead the nation into a governmental instability.