Cameroon Political Opposition Figure to Face Court Action Concerning Electoral Turmoil, Authorities Declares
The nation's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has stated that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over accusations that he provoked "aggressive electoral rallies".
No fewer than four protesters have been killed during skirmishes between law enforcement and opposition supporters since the presidential election on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya winning an eighth presidential mandate.
Issa Tchiroma insists that he won the election, a claim disputed by the governing party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Forceful measures by law enforcement on demonstrators have worried the international community, with the United Nations, African Union and EU calling for restraint.
Official's Accusations
On Tuesday, Nji alleged the opposition figure of organising what he described as "illegal" protests resulting in the deaths, and also condemned him for announcing success in the presidential race.
He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators responsible for an subversive plot" will also undergo judicial processes.
Poll Figures
Paul Biya, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, obtained the October 12 presidential election with over half of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the constitutional court.
Leader's Stance
Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the official announcement to prosecute him, but he had previously announced that he would not accept a fraudulent outcome - and that he was not afraid of being taken into custody.
On election result day, he said that armed men shot on demonstrators present near his residence in the city of Garoua, killing at least 2 civilians.
Inquiry Launched
Recently, the government official announced that an investigation would be initiated into violent incidents before and after the announcement of the poll figures.
"Throughout the violence, some of the perpetrators lost their lives," he stated, without offering a specific number of protesters who have been killed in the clashes.
Nji added that multiple personnel of the security forces also sustained serious injuries.
Current Situation
Although Nji asserted the state of affairs throughout Cameroon was now stable, demonstrators are still demonstrating in various areas of the country, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators mounted roadblocks on Tuesday, and set fire to rubber on the roads.
Experts alert that the political turmoil could lead the country into a leadership vacuum.