Cameroon Opposition Leader to Face Legal Action Over Electoral Turmoil, Authorities Says
Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has stated that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over allegations that he incited "aggressive electoral rallies".
At least 4 demonstrators have been fatally wounded during clashes between security forces and demonstrators since the presidential election on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.
The opposition leader insists that he was the true winner, a assertion rejected by the governing party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Violent crackdowns by law enforcement on protesters have alarmed the global community, with the United Nations, African Union and EU urging restraint.
Minister's Claims
On Tuesday, Nji accused the opposition figure of planning what he labeled "illegal" rallies causing the deaths, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.
He noted that the opposition leader's "accomplices behind an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.
Vote Outcome
Paul Biya, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the October 12 presidential election with over half of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for the challenger, according to the electoral authority.
Challenger's Position
The opposition figure is remains silent to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had previously stated that he rejected a fraudulent outcome - and that he was undaunted of being detained.
On election result day, he claimed that armed men opened fire on protesters assembled near his home in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least two individuals.
Investigation Launched
Recently, the interior minister disclosed that an investigation would be launched into clashes surrounding the declaration of the election results.
"Throughout the violence, some of the individuals involved were killed," he stated, without giving a precise figure of protesters who have been fatally injured in the incidents.
Nji added that several officers of the security forces also suffered significant wounds.
Ongoing Circumstances
Even though Nji asserted the situation nationwide was now under control, protesters remain active in various areas of the country, especially in these two cities, where protesters mounted roadblocks on Tuesday, and burnt rubber on the roads.
Experts caution that the post-electoral violence could plunge the nation into a governmental instability.