Cameroonian Opposition Leader to Face Legal Proceedings Over Post-Election Violence, Authorities Says
The nation's Interior Minister the interior minister has declared that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over allegations that he incited "violent post-election demonstrations".
A minimum of four protesters have been lost their lives during confrontations between police and military and protesters since the electoral process on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya securing an eighth presidential mandate.
Tchiroma Bakary insists that he emerged victorious, a assertion disputed by the incumbent party, the ruling CPDM.
Violent crackdowns by law enforcement on protesters have concerned the world leaders, with the UN, AU and European Union urging moderation.
Minister's Claims
On Tuesday, Nji charged Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he referred to as "illegal" demonstrations resulting in the loss of lives, and also condemned him for announcing success in the presidential race.
He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices involved in an subversive plot" will also face legal action.
Election Results
The president, who took control in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, obtained the 12 October election with over half of the votes, compared to just over a third for his opponent, according to the electoral authority.
Challenger's Position
Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the authorities' move to try him, but he had previously declared that he rejected a fraudulent outcome - and that he was fearless of being arrested.
When results were announced, he reported that security forces shot on protesters gathered near his house in Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 individuals.
Investigation Launched
On Tuesday, the interior minister disclosed that an inquiry would be started into violent incidents before and after the declaration of the vote outcome.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the individuals involved were killed," he commented, without giving a specific number of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the confrontations.
Nji noted that a number of members of the law enforcement also sustained major harm.
Current Situation
Although Nji asserted the state of affairs across the country was now manageable, demonstrators are still demonstrating in some parts of the nation, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators established roadblocks on Tuesday, and set fire to tyres on the streets.
Observers warn that the political turmoil could plunge the nation into a leadership vacuum.