Cameroon Political Opposition Figure Confronts Legal Action Regarding Electoral Turmoil, Authorities Declares
Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has announced that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he instigated "violent electoral rallies".
No fewer than 4 demonstrators have been killed during clashes between security forces and protesters since the presidential election on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya securing an eighth term in office.
Issa Tchiroma maintains that he was the true winner, a assertion disputed by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.
Aggressive responses by security personnel on demonstrators have alarmed the world leaders, with the United Nations, AU and European Union demanding moderation.
Official's Allegations
On Tuesday, the interior minister accused Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he labeled "unauthorized" rallies causing the deaths, and also condemned him for announcing success in the presidential race.
He further stated that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also be prosecuted.
Vote Outcome
Paul Biya, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, obtained the 12 October election with a majority of the vote, compared to a significant minority for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.
Opposition Response
The opposition figure is has not yet commented to the government's decision to try him, but he had before stated that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was undaunted of being taken into custody.
Following the vote count, he said that security forces opened fire on demonstrators assembled near his home in Garoua, killing at least two civilians.
Probe Launched
Earlier this week, the government official disclosed that an inquiry would be launched into unrest surrounding the declaration of the poll figures.
"During these attacks, some of the criminals were killed," he stated, without offering a precise figure of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the confrontations.
Nji further mentioned that several officers of the security forces also sustained serious injuries.
Ongoing Circumstances
Although the interior minister maintained the state of affairs throughout Cameroon was now under control, protesters are still demonstrating in various areas of the nation, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators mounted obstructions on Tuesday, and ignited tires on the roads.
Observers warn that the election-related unrest could lead the nation into a governmental instability.