Cameroonian Opposition Figure to Face Legal Action Regarding Post-Election Violence, Authorities Announces
The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has announced that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over accusations that he provoked "aggressive electoral rallies".
No fewer than 4 demonstrators have been lost their lives during confrontations between security forces and demonstrators since the presidential election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth term in office.
Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he was the true winner, a statement dismissed by the incumbent party, the CPDM.
Violent crackdowns by police and security officers on protesters have alarmed the international community, with the United Nations, AU and European Union demanding moderation.
Minister's Accusations
Earlier this week, Nji alleged the opposition figure of organising what he labeled "unlawful" protests resulting in the fatalities, and also criticised him for announcing success in the presidential race.
He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices involved in an subversive plot" will also face legal action.
Poll Figures
The president, who came to power in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, won the 12 October vote with 53.7% of the vote, compared to 35.2% for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.
Leader's Stance
Issa Tchiroma is yet to respond to the authorities' move to try him, but he had before announced that he rejected a rigged election - and that he was fearless of being taken into custody.
Following the vote count, he said that security forces opened fire on protesters gathered near his residence in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least two people.
Investigation Revealed
Recently, the interior minister revealed that an probe would be started into violent incidents surrounding the declaration of the vote outcome.
"During these attacks, some of the criminals died," he stated, without providing a specific number of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the incidents.
The minister further mentioned that several officers of the police and military also suffered major harm.
Current Situation
While the interior minister insisted the condition nationwide was now manageable, demonstrators remain active in various areas of the country, especially in urban centers, where protesters established roadblocks on that day, and burnt tires on the streets.
Experts warn that the post-electoral violence could lead the country into a governmental instability.
