Cameroonian Opposition Leader to Face Legal Action Regarding Post-Election Violence, Government Declares
The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has announced that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he incited "violent election protests".
A minimum of four demonstrators have been fatally wounded during clashes between security forces and demonstrators since Cameroon's election on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.
Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he emerged victorious, a assertion disputed by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.
Forceful measures by security personnel on demonstrators have concerned the global community, with the United Nations, AU and European Union urging moderation.
Official's Claims
On Tuesday, Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he described as "illegal" rallies leading to the deaths, and also condemned him for announcing success in the electoral contest.
He added that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators involved in an subversive plot" will also undergo judicial processes.
Poll Figures
Paul Biya, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, secured the October 12 vote with over half of the votes, compared to a significant minority for Tchiroma Bakary, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Challenger's Position
Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had earlier declared that he would not accept a fraudulent outcome - and that he was undaunted of being taken into custody.
When results were announced, he claimed that gunmen opened fire on protesters gathered near his residence in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 people.
Inquiry Launched
On Tuesday, the interior minister revealed that an probe would be initiated into violent incidents before and after the declaration of the vote outcome.
"Throughout the violence, some of the criminals were killed," he said, without providing a exact count of protesters who have been fatally injured in the confrontations.
The minister further mentioned that multiple officers of the security forces also received significant wounds.
Current Situation
Although the interior minister insisted the state of affairs nationwide was now stable, demonstrators remain active in certain regions of the nation, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators mounted barricades on Tuesday, and ignited tires on the streets.
Observers caution that the post-electoral violence could lead the country into a political crisis.