Cameroon Political Opposition Leader Confronts Court Action Over Post-Election Violence, Government Announces
Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has announced that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over claims that he provoked "violent election protests".
At least four protesters have been fatally wounded during confrontations between law enforcement and opposition supporters since the electoral process on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya winning an eighth presidential mandate.
The opposition leader maintains that he was the true winner, a claim rejected by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Aggressive responses by police and security officers on protesters have concerned the world leaders, with the UN, AU and EU calling for restraint.
Minister's Claims
On Tuesday, the interior minister alleged Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he referred to as "unlawful" demonstrations resulting in the loss of lives, and also rebuked him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.
He further stated that the opposition leader's "associates responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.
Election Results
Cameroon's leader, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, won the 12 October election with a majority of the votes, compared to a significant minority for his opponent, according to the constitutional court.
Opposition Response
Tchiroma Bakary is yet to respond to the authorities' move to bring him to court, but he had earlier stated that he refused to acknowledge a rigged election - and that he was not afraid of being arrested.
On election result day, he reported that gunmen shot on protesters gathered near his house in Garoua, fatally wounding at least two civilians.
Inquiry Announced
Recently, the interior minister announced that an inquiry would be initiated into clashes prior to and following the publication of the vote outcome.
"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.
Nji noted that several personnel of the police and military also suffered major harm.
Present Conditions
Although Nji maintained the condition nationwide was now under control, protesters are still demonstrating in various areas of the country, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators established barricades on Tuesday, and burnt tyres on the roads.
Analysts warn that the political turmoil could lead the country into a governmental instability.
