Cameroon Opposition Figure to Face Legal Action Over Post-Election Violence, Government Announces
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has announced that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over allegations that he incited "violent electoral rallies".
A minimum of four demonstrators have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between security forces and protesters since the presidential election on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.
The opposition leader insists that he won the election, a claim rejected by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.
Violent crackdowns by police and security officers on protesters have concerned the global community, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union calling for restraint.
Official's Allegations
On Tuesday, the interior minister charged the opposition figure of planning what he referred to as "unauthorized" demonstrations causing the loss of lives, and also condemned him for announcing success in the electoral contest.
He further stated that the opposition leader's "accomplices behind an subversive plot" will also face legal action.
Poll Figures
The president, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, won the October 12 presidential election with a majority of the ballots, compared to 35.2% for his opponent, according to the constitutional court.
Leader's Stance
The opposition figure is remains silent to the official announcement to try him, but he had earlier declared that he would not accept a rigged election - and that he was fearless of being detained.
On election result day, he reported that gunmen shot on protesters gathered near his home in Garoua, killing at least two people.
Investigation Revealed
Earlier this week, the government official disclosed that an investigation would be started into unrest before and after the publication of the election results.
"During these attacks, some of the criminals lost their lives," he stated, without offering a specific number of protesters who have been fatally injured in the incidents.
The minister further mentioned that several personnel of the law enforcement also sustained serious injuries.
Ongoing Circumstances
Even though Nji maintained the state of affairs nationwide was now manageable, protesters continue to protest in certain regions of the country, especially in urban centers, where protesters mounted roadblocks on that day, and set fire to rubber on the thoroughfares.
Experts warn that the election-related unrest could lead the country into a governmental instability.