Cameroonian Political Opposition Leader Faces Legal Proceedings Concerning Post-Election Violence, Authorities Declares
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has announced that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over accusations that he incited "violent election protests".
No fewer than four demonstrators have been fatally wounded during confrontations between security forces and opposition supporters since the electoral process on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state securing an eighth term in office.
The opposition leader insists that he won the election, a statement disputed by Biya's ruling party, the ruling CPDM.
Violent crackdowns by law enforcement on protesters have worried the global community, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union calling for moderation.
Official's Accusations
On Tuesday, Nji accused the opposition figure of coordinating what he labeled "illegal" protests causing the fatalities, and also rebuked him for claiming win in the election.
He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices involved in an subversive plot" will also face legal action.
Poll Figures
Cameroon's leader, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, won the 12 October presidential election with 53.7% of the vote, compared to a significant minority for his opponent, according to the constitutional court.
Opposition Response
Issa Tchiroma is yet to respond to the official announcement to try him, but he had earlier stated that he refused to acknowledge a fraudulent outcome - and that he was fearless of being detained.
On election result day, he said that armed men used lethal force on demonstrators assembled near his house in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 civilians.
Probe Launched
Earlier this week, the interior minister revealed that an inquiry would be launched into violent incidents surrounding the publication of the vote outcome.
"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 incidents.
Nji added that a number of officers of the security forces also suffered major harm.
Current Situation
Although the interior minister asserted the situation nationwide was now under control, demonstrators are still demonstrating in various areas of the country, especially in these two cities, where protesters set up barricades on Tuesday, and burnt tyres on the roads.
Experts warn that the political turmoil could push the nation into a political crisis.