Cameroon Opposition Figure Confronts Legal Proceedings Over Electoral Turmoil, Government Declares
Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has declared that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he instigated "violent post-election demonstrations".
A minimum of four protesters have been killed during skirmishes between security forces and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth term in office.
Tchiroma Bakary insists that he won the election, a assertion dismissed by the governing party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Forceful measures by police and security officers on protesters have concerned the international community, with the UN, African Union and EU urging moderation.
Official's Claims
Recently, the interior minister alleged Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he described as "unauthorized" rallies causing the loss of lives, and also rebuked him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.
He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action.
Election Results
Cameroon's leader, who took control in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, won the October 12 vote with a majority of the ballots, compared to just over a third for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the constitutional court.
Leader's Stance
The opposition figure is has not yet commented to the authorities' move to prosecute him, but he had before announced that he rejected a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being arrested.
When results were announced, he said that gunmen used lethal force on demonstrators assembled near his residence in the city of Garoua, killing at least two people.
Inquiry Revealed
On Tuesday, the interior minister revealed that an inquiry would be started into unrest before and after the declaration of the election results.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the perpetrators died," he commented, without giving a specific number of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the clashes.
Nji further mentioned that a number of personnel of the security forces also received major harm.
Current Situation
While Nji asserted the state of affairs nationwide was now stable, demonstrators continue to protest in various areas of the country, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators established obstructions on Tuesday, and ignited tyres on the roads.
Analysts warn that the election-related unrest could push the country into a governmental instability.