Cameroonian Opposition Figure Confronts Court Action Regarding Election Unrest, Authorities Declares
The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has declared that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over allegations that he incited "violent election protests".
No fewer than four demonstrators have been lost their lives during confrontations between security forces and demonstrators since Cameroon's election on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya winning an eighth term in office.
Tchiroma Bakary asserts that he emerged victorious, a claim disputed by the incumbent party, the ruling CPDM.
Forceful measures by security personnel on protesters have alarmed the global community, with the UN, African Union and EU calling for caution.
Minister's Claims
On Tuesday, Nji alleged the opposition figure of organising what he referred to as "unlawful" demonstrations causing the fatalities, and also condemned him for announcing success in the election.
He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators involved in an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.
Poll Figures
Cameroon's leader, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, obtained the 12 October election with 53.7% of the votes, compared to just over a third for his opponent, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Challenger's Position
Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the official announcement to prosecute him, but he had earlier announced that he rejected a rigged election - and that he was fearless of being arrested.
When results were announced, he claimed that security forces shot on protesters gathered near his house in Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 civilians.
Probe Launched
Earlier this week, the government official announced that an inquiry would be initiated into violent incidents before and after the announcement of the election results.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the individuals involved lost their lives," he commented, without offering a precise figure of demonstrators who have been killed in the clashes.
The minister noted that several members of the security forces also received major harm.
Current Situation
Although the interior minister maintained the situation across the country was now stable, demonstrators remain active in some parts of the nation, especially in urban centers, where protesters set up roadblocks on Tuesday, and ignited rubber on the streets.
Analysts caution that the post-electoral violence could push the country into a political crisis.
