Cameroon Opposition Figure Confronts Legal Proceedings Over Election Unrest, Government Announces
The nation's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has declared that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over accusations that he incited "aggressive electoral rallies".
A minimum of 4 demonstrators have been fatally wounded during confrontations between law enforcement and protesters since the electoral process on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 winning an eighth consecutive term.
Issa Tchiroma insists that he emerged victorious, a statement dismissed by the incumbent party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Forceful measures by security personnel on protesters have worried the global community, with the United Nations, AU and EU calling for caution.
Official's Accusations
Earlier this week, Nji charged the opposition figure of coordinating what he labeled "illegal" demonstrations leading to the deaths, and also condemned him for claiming win in the electoral contest.
He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also face legal action.
Poll Figures
The president, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the October 12 vote with a majority of the vote, compared to 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.
Challenger's Position
Tchiroma Bakary is yet to respond to the official announcement to bring him to court, but he had earlier announced that he would not accept a fraudulent outcome - and that he was not afraid of being arrested.
Following the vote count, he claimed that gunmen used lethal force on demonstrators assembled near his residence in Garoua, killing at least two individuals.
Inquiry Revealed
Earlier this week, the interior minister revealed that an probe would be initiated into clashes prior to and following the declaration of the poll figures.
"During these attacks, some of the criminals lost their lives," he commented, without offering a specific number of protesters who have been killed in the incidents.
Nji added that several personnel of the police and military also suffered serious injuries.
Ongoing Circumstances
Even though Nji insisted the condition across the country was now stable, demonstrators continue to protest in some parts of the country, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators mounted barricades on that day, and set fire to tires on the thoroughfares.
Observers warn that the election-related unrest could push the country into a governmental instability.