Cameroon Political Opposition Figure Confronts Court Action Concerning Post-Election Violence, Authorities Says
Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has announced that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he provoked "violent post-election demonstrations".
A minimum of 4 protesters have been lost their lives during clashes between security forces and demonstrators since the electoral process on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth term in office.
Issa Tchiroma insists that he emerged victorious, a statement dismissed by the incumbent party, the ruling CPDM.
Aggressive responses by security personnel on demonstrators have alarmed the world leaders, with the United Nations, AU and EU calling for restraint.
Minister's Accusations
On Tuesday, Nji alleged Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he referred to as "unlawful" demonstrations resulting in the loss of lives, and also rebuked him for declaring victory in the election.
He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices responsible for an subversive plot" will also face legal action.
Poll Figures
Paul Biya, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, obtained the October 12 presidential election with 53.7% of the votes, compared to 35.2% for his opponent, according to the electoral authority.
Leader's Stance
Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the government's decision to try him, but he had earlier announced that he refused to acknowledge a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.
When results were announced, he reported that security forces shot on protesters present near his house in Garoua, causing the death of at least two individuals.
Inquiry Revealed
Recently, the interior minister announced that an inquiry would be started into clashes before and after the publication of the election results.
"Throughout the violence, some of the criminals died," he stated, without giving a specific number of protesters who have been killed in the confrontations.
Nji added that several members of the law enforcement also received significant wounds.
Present Conditions
Even though Nji asserted the situation across the country was now stable, demonstrators remain active in some parts of the country, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators mounted obstructions on that day, and set fire to rubber on the thoroughfares.
Experts caution that the election-related unrest could plunge the country into a political crisis.
