Cameroonian Opposition Figure to Face Legal Proceedings Regarding Electoral Turmoil, Government Announces
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has declared that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over claims that he instigated "aggressive post-election demonstrations".
A minimum of 4 demonstrators have been killed during clashes between security forces and demonstrators since the electoral process on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.
The opposition leader insists that he was the true winner, a assertion rejected by Biya's ruling party, the ruling CPDM.
Forceful measures by police and security officers on demonstrators have concerned the international community, with the UN, African Union and EU demanding moderation.
Minister's Claims
Earlier this week, the interior minister charged the opposition figure of planning what he referred to as "unauthorized" rallies leading to the deaths, and also condemned him for announcing success in the electoral contest.
He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators involved in an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action.
Election Results
Cameroon's leader, who took control in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, secured the October 12 presidential election with 53.7% of the votes, compared to just over a third for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the constitutional court.
Leader's Stance
The opposition figure is remains silent to the authorities' move to prosecute him, but he had before declared that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.
On election result day, he claimed that armed men used lethal force on demonstrators present near his house in Garoua, killing at least 2 people.
Probe Announced
Recently, the interior minister revealed that an investigation would be launched into clashes before and after the announcement of the vote outcome.
"Throughout the violence, some of the criminals died," he stated, without giving a precise figure of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the incidents.
Nji added that several officers of the police and military also received serious injuries.
Present Conditions
Even though Nji insisted the state of affairs nationwide was now manageable, protesters continue to protest in certain regions of the country, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators established roadblocks on Tuesday, and set fire to tires on the streets.
Analysts caution that the post-electoral violence could push the country into a leadership vacuum.