Cameroon Opposition Leader Faces Legal Proceedings Concerning Electoral Turmoil, Authorities Says
The nation's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has announced that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over accusations that he provoked "aggressive electoral rallies".
At least four demonstrators have been lost their lives during skirmishes between police and military and protesters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya securing an eighth term in office.
Issa Tchiroma insists that he emerged victorious, a statement disputed by the incumbent party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Forceful measures by police and security officers on demonstrators have worried the global community, with the United Nations, African Union and EU calling for caution.
Minister's Claims
Earlier this week, the interior minister accused the opposition figure of planning what he referred to as "unlawful" demonstrations causing the deaths, and also rebuked him for claiming win in the election.
He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates behind an subversive plot" will also undergo judicial processes.
Vote Outcome
Paul Biya, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the October 12 election with over half of the vote, compared to 35.2% for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.
Challenger's Position
Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the authorities' move to try him, but he had previously declared that he rejected a rigged election - and that he was fearless of being taken into custody.
On election result day, he claimed that armed men opened fire on demonstrators assembled near his home in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least two individuals.
Investigation Launched
Recently, the government official revealed that an probe would be initiated into unrest surrounding the announcement of the election results.
"Throughout the violence, some of the perpetrators lost their lives," he stated, without giving a exact count of protesters who have been killed in the clashes.
Nji added that a number of personnel of the police and military also sustained significant wounds.
Present Conditions
Even though the interior minister insisted the condition throughout Cameroon was now manageable, protesters continue to protest in some parts of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators set up barricades on Tuesday, and set fire to tyres on the streets.
Analysts alert that the election-related unrest could plunge the nation into a political crisis.