Cameroon Political Opposition Leader Confronts Legal Action Over Electoral Turmoil, Authorities Announces
Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has stated that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over claims that he provoked "aggressive electoral rallies".
At least four demonstrators have been lost their lives during skirmishes between security forces and opposition supporters since the electoral process on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state obtaining an eighth consecutive term.
Tchiroma Bakary asserts that he won the election, a assertion disputed by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.
Aggressive responses by law enforcement on protesters have alarmed the world leaders, with the United Nations, African Union and EU urging restraint.
Official's Allegations
Recently, the interior minister accused Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he referred to as "unauthorized" rallies resulting in the loss of lives, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the presidential race.
He further stated that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators involved in an subversive plot" will also undergo judicial processes.
Poll Figures
Paul Biya, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, secured the October 12 presidential election with a majority of the vote, compared to 35.2% for the challenger, according to the electoral authority.
Challenger's Position
The opposition figure is remains silent to the authorities' move to bring him to court, but he had earlier stated that he rejected a fraudulent outcome - and that he was undaunted of being taken into custody.
When results were announced, he said that armed men used lethal force on demonstrators assembled near his house in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 individuals.
Investigation Revealed
On Tuesday, the interior minister revealed that an probe would be launched into violent incidents before and after the announcement of the poll figures.
"Throughout the violence, some of the individuals involved were killed," he stated, without giving a specific number of protesters who have been killed in the confrontations.
Nji further mentioned that several officers of the law enforcement also received significant wounds.
Present Conditions
While the interior minister insisted the state of affairs throughout Cameroon was now manageable, demonstrators are still demonstrating in certain regions of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters set up barricades on that day, and burnt rubber on the roads.
Analysts alert that the post-electoral violence could plunge the country into a political crisis.