Cameroon Opposition Figure Faces Court Action Over Election Unrest, Government Says
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has declared that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over allegations that he provoked "aggressive post-election demonstrations".
A minimum of 4 demonstrators have been lost their lives during clashes between law enforcement and protesters since the electoral process on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth consecutive term.
Tchiroma Bakary asserts that he won the election, a statement dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Forceful measures by law enforcement on demonstrators have concerned the world leaders, with the United Nations, AU and EU demanding restraint.
Official's Claims
Recently, the interior minister alleged the opposition figure of coordinating what he referred to as "unlawful" protests leading to the loss of lives, and also criticised him for claiming win in the presidential race.
He further stated that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators behind an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.
Election Results
The president, who took control in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, obtained the 12 October election with over half of the vote, compared to 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Opposition Response
The opposition figure is yet to respond to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had earlier declared that he rejected a rigged election - and that he was fearless of being taken into custody.
Following the vote count, he reported that security forces shot on protesters present near his residence in Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 individuals.
Probe Revealed
Recently, the government official revealed that an investigation would be initiated into clashes prior to and following the announcement of the poll figures.
"During these attacks, some of the perpetrators were killed," he commented, without giving a specific number of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the confrontations.
Nji further mentioned that a number of personnel of the security forces also sustained major harm.
Ongoing Circumstances
While the interior minister asserted the situation nationwide was now manageable, demonstrators continue to protest in some parts of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators mounted barricades on Tuesday, and ignited rubber on the roads.
Experts alert that the election-related unrest could push the nation into a leadership vacuum.