Cameroonian Opposition Leader Confronts Legal Action Regarding Electoral Turmoil, Authorities Announces
The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has stated that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he incited "aggressive post-election demonstrations".
At least four protesters have been lost their lives during skirmishes between police and military and protesters since the electoral process on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya winning an eighth consecutive term.
The opposition leader asserts that he was the true winner, a assertion dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Forceful measures by police and security officers on protesters have concerned the global community, with the UN, AU and European Union calling for caution.
Minister's Claims
On Tuesday, Nji alleged the opposition figure of planning what he labeled "illegal" demonstrations leading to the fatalities, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the presidential race.
He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.
Vote Outcome
The president, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the 12 October presidential election with over half of the vote, compared to a significant minority for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.
Challenger's Position
Tchiroma Bakary is remains silent to the official announcement to try him, but he had previously announced that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being arrested.
Following the vote count, he said that armed men opened fire on protesters gathered near his residence in Garoua, killing at least 2 people.
Investigation Revealed
On Tuesday, the government official revealed that an investigation would be initiated into violent incidents surrounding the publication of the poll figures.
"Throughout the violence, some of the perpetrators were killed," he said, without offering a exact count of demonstrators who have been killed in the clashes.
The minister added that a number of officers of the police and military also sustained significant wounds.
Ongoing Circumstances
Although Nji asserted the condition throughout Cameroon was now stable, demonstrators continue to protest in certain regions of the country, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators mounted barricades on Tuesday, and burnt tyres on the streets.
Observers warn that the post-electoral violence could plunge the nation into a political crisis.