Cameroon Political Opposition Leader to Face Legal Action Concerning Election Unrest, Authorities Declares
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has stated that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he incited "aggressive electoral rallies".
No fewer than four demonstrators have been lost their lives during confrontations between security forces and opposition supporters since the presidential election on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 securing an eighth term in office.
The opposition leader insists that he emerged victorious, a statement dismissed by the incumbent party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Aggressive responses by law enforcement on demonstrators have concerned the global community, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union calling for restraint.
Official's Allegations
On Tuesday, the interior minister accused Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he referred to as "unauthorized" rallies resulting in the fatalities, and also criticised him for claiming win in the electoral contest.
He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also face legal action.
Election Results
Paul Biya, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, secured the October 12 vote with a majority of the votes, compared to 35.2% for the challenger, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Opposition Response
Tchiroma Bakary is remains silent to the official announcement to prosecute him, but he had previously stated that he rejected a stolen vote - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.
On election result day, he claimed that gunmen shot on demonstrators gathered near his residence in Garoua, killing at least two people.
Inquiry Launched
On Tuesday, the government official revealed that an probe would be started into clashes before and after the declaration of the vote outcome.
"Throughout the violence, some of the criminals died," he stated, without providing a specific number of protesters who have been fatally injured in the clashes.
Nji noted that multiple officers of the law enforcement also received significant wounds.
Current Situation
While the interior minister maintained the condition nationwide was now under control, demonstrators are still demonstrating in some parts of the country, especially in these two cities, where protesters set up obstructions on Tuesday, and burnt tyres on the streets.
Analysts alert that the election-related unrest could lead the country into a political crisis.
