Cameroon Opposition Leader Faces Court Action Over Post-Election Violence, Government Says
The nation's Interior Minister the interior minister has announced that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over allegations that he instigated "aggressive election protests".
No fewer than four protesters have been killed during skirmishes between police and military and opposition supporters since the electoral process on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 securing an eighth term in office.
Issa Tchiroma asserts that he emerged victorious, a claim rejected by the incumbent party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Violent crackdowns by security personnel on demonstrators have worried the international community, with the UN, African Union and EU demanding restraint.
Minister's Claims
On Tuesday, Nji accused the opposition figure of coordinating what he described as "unauthorized" demonstrations resulting in the loss of lives, and also rebuked him for declaring victory in the presidential race.
He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices involved in an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.
Poll Figures
Paul Biya, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, won the 12 October vote with a majority of the votes, compared to a significant minority for the challenger, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Challenger's Position
Tchiroma Bakary is remains silent to the official announcement to bring him to court, but he had previously stated that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being detained.
On election result day, he claimed that armed men shot on protesters assembled near his house in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 civilians.
Investigation Revealed
On Tuesday, the government official revealed that an probe would be initiated into violent incidents before and after the publication of the election results.
"Throughout the violence, some of the perpetrators died," he stated, without giving a specific number of demonstrators who have been killed in the clashes.
The minister added that a number of personnel of the law enforcement also received significant wounds.
Current Situation
Although the interior minister maintained the situation across the country was now under control, demonstrators remain active in some parts of the nation, especially in urban centers, where protesters established obstructions on that day, and burnt tires on the thoroughfares.
Experts caution that the political turmoil could lead the nation into a governmental instability.