Cameroonian Political Opposition Leader Confronts Legal Proceedings Regarding Election Unrest, Government Declares
The nation's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has declared that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over allegations that he instigated "aggressive election protests".
A minimum of four demonstrators have been lost their lives during skirmishes between police and military and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.
Issa Tchiroma insists that he was the true winner, a statement rejected by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Violent crackdowns by security personnel on demonstrators have alarmed the global community, with the United Nations, African Union and EU demanding caution.
Official's Accusations
On Tuesday, Nji accused the opposition figure of organising what he labeled "unlawful" demonstrations resulting in the deaths, and also rebuked him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.
He added that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators involved in an insurrectionary plan" will also undergo judicial processes.
Election Results
The president, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, secured the 12 October presidential election with over half of the votes, compared to 35.2% for his opponent, according to the electoral authority.
Challenger's Position
The opposition figure is has not yet commented to the authorities' move to prosecute him, but he had earlier stated that he would not accept a rigged election - and that he was not afraid of being arrested.
Following the vote count, he said that gunmen shot on protesters gathered near his house in Garoua, fatally wounding at least two people.
Probe Revealed
Recently, the government official revealed that an inquiry would be started into violent incidents before and after the declaration of the election results.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the perpetrators were killed," he said, without providing a precise figure of demonstrators who have been killed in the confrontations.
Nji noted that a number of members of the police and military also received significant wounds.
Current Situation
Although Nji maintained the situation throughout Cameroon was now stable, protesters remain active in some parts of the country, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators set up barricades on Tuesday, and ignited rubber on the thoroughfares.
Experts alert that the post-electoral violence could lead the country into a leadership vacuum.