Cameroonian Political Opposition Figure Faces Legal Action Over Electoral Turmoil, Authorities Announces
Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has declared that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over accusations that he provoked "violent election protests".
A minimum of 4 protesters have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between security forces and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 securing an eighth term in office.
The opposition leader maintains that he won the election, a statement dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the ruling CPDM.
Violent crackdowns by security personnel on demonstrators have worried the global community, with the United Nations, AU and European Union urging restraint.
Minister's Accusations
Earlier this week, Nji charged the opposition figure of organising what he referred to as "unlawful" protests resulting in the deaths, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the election.
He noted that the opposition leader's "accomplices involved in an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.
Election Results
Cameroon's leader, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the October 12 vote with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to just over a third for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.
Opposition Response
Issa Tchiroma is yet to respond to the government's decision to try him, but he had earlier stated that he would not accept a rigged election - and that he was not afraid of being detained.
On election result day, he reported that security forces used lethal force on demonstrators present near his residence in Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 civilians.
Probe Revealed
On Tuesday, the government official revealed that an inquiry would be started into violent incidents prior to and following the announcement of the vote outcome.
"During these attacks, some of the perpetrators lost their lives," he said, without providing a exact count of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the clashes.
Nji further mentioned that several officers of the security forces also received major harm.
Ongoing Circumstances
Even though Nji insisted the condition throughout Cameroon was now stable, protesters are still demonstrating in some parts of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters mounted barricades on that day, and ignited tires on the streets.
Experts warn that the political turmoil could plunge the nation into a governmental instability.
