Cameroon Political Opposition Leader Confronts Legal Action Regarding Election Unrest, Authorities Declares
Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has declared that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over accusations that he instigated "violent post-election demonstrations".
A minimum of four demonstrators have been killed during confrontations between security forces and demonstrators since the electoral process on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya securing an eighth presidential mandate.
Tchiroma Bakary insists that he won the election, a statement dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the ruling CPDM.
Violent crackdowns by law enforcement on demonstrators have worried the global community, with the United Nations, AU and EU calling for moderation.
Minister's Allegations
Recently, Nji alleged Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he referred to as "unlawful" demonstrations leading to the fatalities, and also condemned him for claiming win in the presidential race.
He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates involved in an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action.
Vote Outcome
Paul Biya, who took control in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, obtained the October 12 presidential election with over half of the votes, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.
Opposition Response
The opposition figure is yet to respond to the authorities' move to prosecute him, but he had previously stated that he refused to acknowledge a rigged election - and that he was not afraid of being arrested.
When results were announced, he said that security forces opened fire on demonstrators assembled near his house in Garoua, causing the death of at least two civilians.
Inquiry Revealed
Recently, the government official disclosed that an inquiry would be launched into clashes surrounding the announcement of the election results.
"Throughout the violence, some of the perpetrators were killed," he said, without providing a exact count of demonstrators who have been killed in the incidents.
Nji further mentioned that a number of members of the law enforcement also suffered significant wounds.
Ongoing Circumstances
Although the interior minister insisted the condition across the country was now stable, protesters continue to protest in various areas of the country, especially in urban centers, where protesters established obstructions on Tuesday, and ignited tires on the streets.
Experts alert that the election-related unrest could lead the nation into a political crisis.