Cameroon Opposition Figure Faces Legal Action Concerning Post-Election Violence, Authorities Declares
Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has stated that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over claims that he instigated "aggressive election protests".
No fewer than four protesters have been lost their lives during clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators since the presidential election on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 winning an eighth term in office.
Tchiroma Bakary insists that he won the election, a assertion dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.
Forceful measures by security personnel on protesters have worried the world leaders, with the United Nations, African Union and EU calling for restraint.
Minister's Claims
On Tuesday, the interior minister alleged the opposition figure of organising what he described as "unauthorized" protests causing the loss of lives, and also condemned him for claiming win in the presidential race.
He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators involved in an subversive plot" will also undergo judicial processes.
Election Results
Paul Biya, who took control in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, won the October 12 vote with over half of the votes, compared to just over a third for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.
Challenger's Position
Issa Tchiroma is has not yet commented to the official announcement to prosecute him, but he had earlier declared that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being detained.
Following the vote count, he said that armed men used lethal force on protesters gathered near his house in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 individuals.
Probe Revealed
On Tuesday, the interior minister announced that an investigation would be launched into violent incidents prior to and following the publication of the election results.
"During these attacks, some of the criminals died," he said, without giving a precise figure of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the clashes.
Nji further mentioned that a number of officers of the law enforcement also sustained major harm.
Current Situation
Although Nji maintained the condition across the country was now under control, demonstrators remain active in various areas of the country, especially in urban centers, where protesters mounted barricades on Tuesday, and burnt tires on the roads.
Analysts alert that the post-electoral violence could push the country into a political crisis.