Cameroonian Political Opposition Figure to Face Legal Proceedings Regarding Post-Election Violence, Authorities Says
The nation's Interior Minister the interior minister has declared that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over claims that he incited "aggressive electoral rallies".
At least 4 demonstrators have been killed during confrontations between security forces and opposition supporters since the electoral process on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 winning an eighth presidential mandate.
Issa Tchiroma asserts that he was the true winner, a assertion disputed by the governing party, the CPDM.
Violent crackdowns by security personnel on protesters have worried the global community, with the United Nations, African Union and EU demanding caution.
Minister's Allegations
Recently, the interior minister charged Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he referred to as "illegal" rallies leading to the loss of lives, and also rebuked him for declaring victory in the election.
He added that the opposition leader's "accomplices behind an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.
Poll Figures
Cameroon's leader, who came to power in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, obtained the October 12 vote with a majority of the votes, compared to just over a third for his opponent, according to the electoral authority.
Challenger's Position
Tchiroma Bakary is yet to respond to the authorities' move to bring him to court, but he had previously declared that he refused to acknowledge a fraudulent outcome - and that he was not afraid of being detained.
On election result day, he reported that gunmen opened fire on demonstrators gathered near his house in Garoua, killing at least 2 individuals.
Investigation Revealed
Recently, the interior minister announced that an inquiry would be launched into unrest prior to and following the publication of the election results.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals died," he commented, without offering a exact count of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the incidents.
The minister noted that multiple members of the law enforcement also suffered major harm.
Current Situation
While the interior minister asserted the situation nationwide was now stable, demonstrators are still demonstrating in some parts of the nation, especially in urban centers, where protesters set up obstructions on that day, and ignited tires on the roads.
Observers alert that the post-electoral violence could plunge the country into a leadership vacuum.