Cameroon Opposition Figure Faces Legal Proceedings Over Post-Election Violence, Government Says
Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has announced that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he incited "violent election protests".
No fewer than four demonstrators have been fatally wounded during clashes between police and military and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya securing an eighth consecutive term.
Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he was the true winner, a assertion rejected by the governing party, the ruling CPDM.
Forceful measures by law enforcement on protesters have concerned the global community, with the UN, AU and European Union urging caution.
Official's Accusations
Earlier this week, Nji charged the opposition figure of planning what he referred to as "illegal" rallies leading to the loss of lives, and also condemned him for announcing success in the electoral contest.
He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices responsible for an subversive plot" will also be prosecuted.
Vote Outcome
Cameroon's leader, who took control in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, won the 12 October election with 53.7% of the votes, compared to 35.2% for his opponent, according to the constitutional court.
Leader's Stance
Issa Tchiroma is yet to respond to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had before announced that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being taken into custody.
Following the vote count, he reported that gunmen used lethal force on demonstrators assembled near his home in Garoua, killing at least two civilians.
Investigation Announced
Recently, the interior minister disclosed that an investigation would be started into unrest before and after the publication of the election results.
"During these attacks, some of the individuals involved lost their lives," he said, without providing a specific number of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the incidents.
The minister added that several personnel of the police and military also received significant wounds.
Ongoing Circumstances
While Nji maintained the situation across the country was now stable, protesters are still demonstrating in various areas of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters set up roadblocks on that day, and set fire to tyres on the thoroughfares.
Experts warn that the post-electoral violence could plunge the country into a leadership vacuum.