Cameroonian Opposition Leader Confronts Court Action Regarding Election Unrest, Authorities Declares
The nation's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has declared that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over accusations that he provoked "violent electoral rallies".
No fewer than 4 demonstrators have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between police and military and protesters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth term in office.
The opposition leader asserts that he was the true winner, a assertion rejected by the incumbent party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Violent crackdowns by law enforcement on protesters have alarmed the world leaders, with the UN, AU and European Union urging restraint.
Official's Allegations
Recently, the interior minister alleged Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he described as "unauthorized" demonstrations leading to the loss of lives, and also condemned him for announcing success in the election.
He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.
Election Results
The president, who came to power in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, obtained the 12 October presidential election with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.
Leader's Stance
The opposition figure is yet to respond to the authorities' move to try him, but he had previously stated that he would not accept a fraudulent outcome - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.
On election result day, he reported that gunmen shot on demonstrators assembled near his home in Garoua, killing at least 2 people.
Investigation Revealed
On Tuesday, the government official revealed that an inquiry would be initiated into violent incidents prior to and following the announcement of the vote outcome.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals lost their lives," he commented, without offering a exact count of demonstrators who have been killed in the incidents.
The minister noted that several officers of the police and military also suffered serious injuries.
Current Situation
While the interior minister insisted the state of affairs throughout Cameroon was now manageable, protesters remain active in various areas of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters set up obstructions on Tuesday, and ignited tires on the thoroughfares.
Observers alert that the post-electoral violence could plunge the nation into a political crisis.
