Cameroonian Opposition Leader Confronts Legal Action Over Post-Election Violence, Authorities Announces
The nation's Interior Minister the interior minister has announced that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he instigated "aggressive electoral rallies".
No fewer than 4 protesters have been lost their lives during clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators since the electoral process on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 winning an eighth presidential mandate.
The opposition leader maintains that he won the election, a assertion dismissed by the incumbent party, the CPDM.
Forceful measures by police and security officers on demonstrators have worried the global community, with the UN, AU and European Union calling for caution.
Minister's Claims
Recently, the interior minister alleged Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he labeled "unlawful" demonstrations causing the fatalities, and also condemned him for announcing success in the election.
He noted that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators involved in an subversive plot" will also face legal action.
Poll Figures
Paul Biya, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, obtained the October 12 vote with over half of the ballots, compared to 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.
Challenger's Position
Tchiroma Bakary is remains silent to the official announcement to prosecute him, but he had earlier stated that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was undaunted of being detained.
Following the vote count, he reported that security forces used lethal force on protesters present near his residence in Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 people.
Probe Launched
On Tuesday, the government official announced that an probe would be started into clashes surrounding the publication of the election results.
"Throughout the violence, some of the perpetrators died," he commented, without giving a precise figure of protesters who have been killed in the clashes.
The minister added that multiple officers of the security forces also sustained significant wounds.
Current Situation
Even though the interior minister asserted the situation across the country was now under control, protesters are still demonstrating in various areas of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters set up roadblocks on that day, and ignited tyres on the thoroughfares.
Analysts alert that the post-electoral violence could plunge the country into a governmental instability.