Cameroon Opposition Figure Confronts Legal Action Concerning Electoral Turmoil, Government Says
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has announced that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he instigated "aggressive post-election demonstrations".
No fewer than four protesters have been fatally wounded during confrontations between police and military and protesters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 securing an eighth presidential mandate.
The opposition leader insists that he was the true winner, a claim rejected by the incumbent party, the ruling CPDM.
Violent crackdowns by security personnel on demonstrators have worried the world leaders, with the United Nations, African Union and EU demanding moderation.
Minister's Accusations
Recently, Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he referred to as "illegal" rallies leading to the deaths, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the presidential race.
He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices behind an insurrectionary plan" will also face legal action.
Vote Outcome
Paul Biya, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, secured the 12 October vote with over half of the vote, compared to just over a third for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the constitutional court.
Challenger's Position
The opposition figure is remains silent to the government's decision to prosecute him, but he had earlier announced that he would not accept a rigged election - and that he was not afraid of being arrested.
Following the vote count, he claimed that gunmen used lethal force on protesters assembled near his home in the city of Garoua, killing at least 2 individuals.
Investigation Revealed
Recently, the interior minister revealed that an investigation would be launched into violent incidents prior to and following the announcement of the election results.
"During these attacks, some of the criminals were killed," he said, without giving a specific number of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the incidents.
The minister further mentioned that several personnel of the police and military also received major harm.
Present Conditions
Although Nji asserted the state of affairs across the country was now under control, protesters are still demonstrating in various areas of the nation, especially in urban centers, where protesters mounted barricades on that day, and burnt tyres on the streets.
Observers caution that the political turmoil could plunge the country into a governmental instability.