Cameroon Political Opposition Figure Confronts Legal Action Concerning Election Unrest, Authorities Says
The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has announced that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over allegations that he instigated "violent post-election demonstrations".
No fewer than 4 demonstrators have been lost their lives during confrontations between law enforcement and protesters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 securing an eighth term in office.
The opposition leader insists that he emerged victorious, a claim disputed by the governing party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Violent crackdowns by security personnel on demonstrators have concerned the global community, with the UN, African Union and EU calling for restraint.
Official's Claims
On Tuesday, Nji alleged Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he described as "illegal" demonstrations leading to the deaths, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the election.
He further stated that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also undergo judicial processes.
Vote Outcome
Cameroon's leader, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the 12 October election with 53.7% of the vote, compared to a significant minority for the challenger, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Challenger's Position
Tchiroma Bakary is remains silent to the official announcement to try him, but he had earlier stated that he refused to acknowledge 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 protesters gathered near his home in Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 individuals.
Investigation Revealed
On Tuesday, the interior minister revealed that an probe would be initiated into clashes before and after the announcement of the poll figures.
"Throughout the violence, some of the criminals were killed," he stated, without offering a specific number of protesters who have been lost their lives in the confrontations.
Nji noted that a number of personnel of the police and military also sustained serious injuries.
Ongoing Circumstances
While Nji asserted the situation throughout Cameroon was now stable, protesters continue to protest in some parts of the country, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators set up barricades on that day, and set fire to tyres on the thoroughfares.
Observers caution that the election-related unrest could push the country into a political crisis.
