Cameroonian Opposition Leader to Face Court Action Regarding Post-Election Violence, Government Says
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has announced that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over allegations that he incited "aggressive election protests".
A minimum of four demonstrators have been killed during skirmishes between security forces and protesters since Cameroon's election on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state securing an eighth presidential mandate.
The opposition leader maintains that he was the true winner, a statement rejected by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Aggressive responses by law enforcement on protesters have worried the global community, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union urging restraint.
Official's Allegations
Recently, the interior minister alleged the opposition figure of planning what he referred to as "unauthorized" protests leading to the deaths, and also criticised him for claiming win in the election.
He added that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators behind an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action.
Election Results
Paul Biya, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, obtained the October 12 election with over half of the votes, compared to just over a third for Tchiroma Bakary, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Challenger's Position
The opposition figure is remains silent to the government's decision to try him, but he had previously declared that he would not accept a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being detained.
Following the vote count, he reported that armed men opened fire on demonstrators present near his house in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 civilians.
Investigation Announced
On Tuesday, the interior minister revealed that an investigation would be initiated into violent incidents before and after the publication of the election results.
"Throughout the violence, some of the individuals involved died," he commented, without giving a exact count of protesters who have been killed in the clashes.
Nji noted that multiple members of the security forces also sustained major harm.
Current Situation
While the interior minister asserted the situation nationwide was now stable, demonstrators are still demonstrating in some parts of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters established barricades on that day, and ignited tyres on the thoroughfares.
Observers warn that the political turmoil could plunge the nation into a leadership vacuum.