Cameroonian Opposition Figure Confronts Court Action Over Election Unrest, Authorities Declares
The nation's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has stated that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over allegations that he incited "violent post-election demonstrations".
No fewer than four demonstrators have been killed during clashes between police and military and demonstrators since the electoral process on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state obtaining an eighth consecutive term.
Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he won the election, a assertion disputed by the incumbent party, the CPDM.
Forceful measures by security personnel on demonstrators have alarmed the global community, with the United Nations, AU and European Union calling for restraint.
Official's Claims
Recently, Nji alleged Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he labeled "unlawful" rallies leading to the fatalities, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.
He further stated that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators involved in an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.
Election Results
Cameroon's leader, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the 12 October presidential election with 53.7% of the votes, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.
Opposition Response
The opposition figure is has not yet commented to the official announcement to try him, but he had earlier declared that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being arrested.
Following the vote count, he reported that security forces opened fire on protesters gathered near his residence in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least two people.
Inquiry Launched
Recently, the interior minister revealed that an inquiry would be initiated into clashes surrounding the publication of the poll figures.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals were killed," he commented, without offering a specific number of protesters who have been lost their lives in the confrontations.
Nji further mentioned that several personnel of the police and military also received major harm.
Current Situation
Even though the interior minister maintained the condition nationwide was now stable, demonstrators are still demonstrating in various areas of the nation, especially in urban centers, where protesters set up barricades on Tuesday, and set fire to tyres on the thoroughfares.
Analysts warn that the political turmoil could push the country into a governmental instability.
