Cameroonian Political Opposition Figure to Face Legal Proceedings Over Election Unrest, Authorities Declares
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has stated that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over accusations that he instigated "aggressive electoral rallies".
At least 4 protesters have been lost their lives during skirmishes between law enforcement and protesters since the electoral process on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth term in office.
The opposition leader asserts that he emerged victorious, a statement dismissed by the governing party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Aggressive responses by security personnel on protesters have concerned the international community, with the United Nations, AU and European Union demanding moderation.
Official's Accusations
Recently, the interior minister accused the opposition figure of organising what he labeled "illegal" demonstrations resulting in the deaths, and also condemned him for announcing success in the electoral contest.
He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also undergo judicial processes.
Election Results
The president, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, obtained the 12 October vote with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.
Opposition Response
The opposition figure is remains silent to the authorities' move to bring him to court, but he had before declared that he rejected a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being taken into custody.
Following the vote count, he said that armed men used lethal force on demonstrators gathered near his residence in Garoua, causing the death of at least two civilians.
Investigation Revealed
On Tuesday, the government official announced that an inquiry would be started into clashes before and after the publication of the vote outcome.
"During these attacks, some of the perpetrators lost their lives," he stated, without offering a specific number of protesters who have been fatally injured in the clashes.
Nji further mentioned that several personnel of the security forces also received significant wounds.
Present Conditions
Although Nji asserted the situation across the country was now manageable, demonstrators remain active in some parts of the country, especially in urban centers, where protesters set up obstructions on that day, and burnt rubber on the thoroughfares.
Observers caution that the post-electoral violence could lead the country into a political crisis.