Cameroonian Political Opposition Figure Confronts Court Action Regarding Election Unrest, Authorities Announces
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has declared that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he provoked "aggressive electoral rallies".
At least 4 protesters have been lost their lives during confrontations between police and military and protesters since the presidential election on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya winning an eighth term in office.
Issa Tchiroma asserts that he was the true winner, a assertion disputed by the governing party, the ruling CPDM.
Forceful measures by security personnel on demonstrators have worried the international community, with the UN, AU and EU calling for moderation.
Official's Accusations
On Tuesday, Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he described as "unauthorized" demonstrations causing the fatalities, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.
He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates involved in an insurrectionary plan" will also face legal action.
Election Results
Paul Biya, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, obtained the 12 October election with 53.7% of the votes, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.
Challenger's Position
Tchiroma Bakary is remains silent to the official announcement to bring him to court, but he had previously announced that he would not accept a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being taken into custody.
Following the vote count, he reported that armed men opened fire on protesters present near his residence in Garoua, killing at least two civilians.
Investigation Announced
Earlier this week, the government official disclosed that an inquiry would be initiated into unrest prior to and following the declaration of the poll figures.
"Throughout the violence, some of the criminals lost their lives," he said, without offering a exact count of protesters who have been lost their lives in the clashes.
The minister added that multiple members of the law enforcement also suffered major harm.
Present Conditions
While the interior minister maintained the condition throughout Cameroon was now under control, demonstrators continue to protest in certain regions of the nation, especially in urban centers, where protesters mounted barricades on that day, and burnt tires on the roads.
Analysts alert that the political turmoil could lead the nation into a governmental instability.
