Cameroonian Political Opposition Figure Faces Legal Proceedings Regarding Election Unrest, Authorities Says
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has declared that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over allegations that he provoked "violent election protests".
At least 4 demonstrators have been lost their lives during clashes between security forces and protesters since the presidential election on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya winning an eighth term in office.
Tchiroma Bakary asserts that he was the true winner, a claim dismissed by the incumbent party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Aggressive responses by law enforcement on demonstrators have concerned the world leaders, with the United Nations, AU and European Union urging moderation.
Official's Allegations
On Tuesday, the interior minister accused Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he referred to as "unauthorized" demonstrations resulting in the fatalities, and also condemned him for claiming win in the presidential race.
He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices involved in an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.
Election Results
The president, who came to power in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, won the October 12 election with over half of the ballots, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Opposition Response
The opposition figure is yet to respond to the government's decision to try him, but he had previously announced that he rejected a fraudulent outcome - and that he was undaunted of being detained.
On election result day, he claimed that gunmen shot on protesters gathered near his home in Garoua, killing at least 2 people.
Investigation Announced
Recently, the interior minister announced that an inquiry would be initiated into clashes prior to and following the declaration of the vote outcome.
"Throughout the violence, some of the perpetrators lost their lives," he said, without providing a exact count of protesters who have been killed in the clashes.
The minister further mentioned that multiple personnel of the security forces also received major harm.
Current Situation
While Nji maintained the state of affairs throughout Cameroon was now manageable, demonstrators continue to protest in certain regions of the country, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators set up barricades on that day, and set fire to rubber on the streets.
Observers alert that the political turmoil could lead the nation into a leadership vacuum.