Cameroon Political Opposition Figure Faces Court Action Concerning Election Unrest, Authorities Announces
The nation's Interior Minister the interior minister has announced that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over claims that he provoked "violent electoral rallies".
At least four demonstrators have been killed during skirmishes between security forces and protesters since the electoral process on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state obtaining an eighth consecutive term.
Tchiroma Bakary insists that he was the true winner, a assertion disputed by the incumbent party, the CPDM.
Violent crackdowns by police and security officers on protesters have alarmed the international community, with the UN, AU and EU urging caution.
Minister's Accusations
On Tuesday, Nji alleged Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he referred to as "unauthorized" protests resulting in the loss of lives, and also rebuked him for claiming win in the presidential race.
He noted that the opposition leader's "accomplices involved in an subversive plot" will also undergo judicial processes.
Vote Outcome
Paul Biya, who came to power in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, obtained the 12 October election with a majority of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for his opponent, according to the constitutional court.
Challenger's Position
The opposition figure is yet to respond to the official announcement to bring him to court, but he had previously stated that he would not accept a rigged election - and that he was not afraid of being detained.
On election result day, he claimed that gunmen opened fire on protesters present near his house in Garoua, killing at least 2 people.
Probe Launched
Earlier this week, the government official disclosed that an probe would be started into clashes prior to and following the publication of the vote outcome.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals lost their lives," he said, without offering a specific number of demonstrators who have been killed in the incidents.
The minister further mentioned that several officers of the security forces also received serious injuries.
Current Situation
Even though Nji maintained the condition throughout Cameroon was now stable, demonstrators continue to protest in certain regions of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators set up roadblocks on Tuesday, and burnt tyres on the streets.
Analysts alert that the political turmoil could push the nation into a political crisis.