Cameroon Political Opposition Leader to Face Legal Proceedings Over Post-Election Violence, Government Says
The nation's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has declared that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over accusations that he provoked "aggressive election protests".
A minimum of 4 demonstrators have been killed during skirmishes between law enforcement and protesters since Cameroon's election on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth term in office.
Issa Tchiroma asserts that he won the election, a statement rejected by the governing party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Forceful measures by law enforcement on protesters have concerned the international community, with the United Nations, AU and European Union calling for caution.
Official's Claims
Earlier this week, Nji charged Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he labeled "illegal" demonstrations leading to the fatalities, and also condemned him for announcing success in the election.
He added that the opposition leader's "associates involved in an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action.
Election Results
Cameroon's leader, who came to power in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, won the 12 October election with 53.7% of the votes, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to the electoral authority.
Opposition Response
Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the official announcement to try him, but he had before announced that he rejected a fraudulent outcome - and that he was not afraid of being detained.
On election result day, he claimed that security forces opened fire on demonstrators gathered near his residence in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 civilians.
Investigation Revealed
Earlier this week, the interior minister announced that an inquiry would be initiated into unrest prior to and following the declaration of the poll figures.
"During these attacks, some of the criminals lost their lives," he commented, without offering a exact count of protesters who have been killed in the clashes.
Nji noted that a number of personnel of the law enforcement also sustained major harm.
Ongoing Circumstances
Although Nji asserted the condition throughout Cameroon was now manageable, demonstrators continue to protest in some parts of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators set up roadblocks on Tuesday, and burnt tyres on the roads.
Analysts caution that the post-electoral violence could plunge the nation into a governmental instability.
