Cameroonian Political Opposition Figure Faces Court Action Over Election Unrest, Authorities Says
The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has announced that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over allegations that he incited "aggressive post-election demonstrations".
No fewer than 4 demonstrators have been lost their lives during skirmishes between security forces and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state obtaining an eighth term in office.
Tchiroma Bakary asserts that he emerged victorious, a claim disputed by the governing party, the ruling CPDM.
Aggressive responses by police and security officers on protesters have concerned the world leaders, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union demanding moderation.
Official's Claims
Recently, Nji alleged Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he described as "unlawful" rallies causing the deaths, and also criticised him for claiming win in the election.
He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action.
Election Results
Paul Biya, who took control in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the October 12 election with over half of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for Tchiroma Bakary, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Opposition Response
Tchiroma Bakary is remains silent to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had previously declared that he refused to acknowledge a rigged election - and that he was fearless of being arrested.
On election result day, he said that security forces shot on protesters assembled near his residence in the city of Garoua, killing at least 2 individuals.
Probe Launched
On Tuesday, the interior minister revealed that an probe would be initiated into unrest prior to and following the publication of the election results.
"Throughout the violence, some of the criminals died," he said, without offering a precise figure of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the incidents.
The minister noted that several personnel of the police and military also suffered major harm.
Current Situation
While Nji maintained the situation throughout Cameroon was now stable, protesters are still demonstrating in various areas of the nation, especially in these two cities, where protesters established roadblocks on Tuesday, and ignited tyres on the roads.
Observers alert that the political turmoil could push the nation into a leadership vacuum.
