Cameroonian Political Opposition Leader Faces Legal Action Regarding Post-Election Violence, Government Declares
The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has announced that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over allegations that he incited "aggressive post-election demonstrations".
A minimum of 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 winning an eighth presidential mandate.
Tchiroma Bakary asserts that he was the true winner, a claim dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the ruling CPDM.
Aggressive responses by police and security officers on protesters have worried the global community, with the United Nations, AU and European Union urging moderation.
Minister's Claims
Recently, the interior minister alleged Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he described as "illegal" rallies causing the loss of lives, and also rebuked him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.
He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action.
Poll Figures
Paul Biya, who took control in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, won the October 12 vote with a majority of the vote, compared to 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Challenger's Position
The opposition figure is yet to respond to the official announcement to bring him to court, but he had earlier stated that he would not accept a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being taken into custody.
When results were announced, he reported that security forces shot on demonstrators gathered near his home in Garoua, fatally wounding at least two civilians.
Probe Announced
On Tuesday, the interior minister announced that an investigation would be initiated into clashes before and after the publication of the vote outcome.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the individuals involved lost their lives," he commented, without offering a specific number of protesters who have been killed in the confrontations.
The minister further mentioned that several officers of the security forces also sustained serious injuries.
Present Conditions
While Nji maintained the condition across the country was now under control, protesters are still demonstrating in various areas of the country, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators set up roadblocks on Tuesday, and ignited tires on the thoroughfares.
Experts caution that the post-electoral violence could plunge the nation into a political crisis.