Cameroon Political Opposition Figure Faces Legal Action Over Electoral Turmoil, Government Declares
The nation's Interior Minister the interior minister has stated that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he provoked "aggressive electoral rallies".
At least four demonstrators have been fatally wounded during clashes between law enforcement and protesters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state securing an eighth presidential mandate.
Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he won the election, a assertion disputed by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.
Violent crackdowns by police and security officers on demonstrators have worried the global community, with the UN, African Union and European Union calling for restraint.
Minister's Allegations
Recently, the interior minister accused Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he described as "illegal" protests resulting in the fatalities, and also criticised him for declaring victory in the election.
He noted that the opposition leader's "associates involved in an subversive plot" will also be prosecuted.
Vote Outcome
Cameroon's leader, who came to power in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, won the 12 October vote with 53.7% of the vote, compared to 35.2% for his opponent, according to the electoral authority.
Challenger's Position
The opposition figure is remains silent to the official announcement to prosecute him, but he had previously declared that he would not accept a fraudulent outcome - and that he was fearless of being detained.
On election result day, he reported that security forces shot on demonstrators present near his home in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least two people.
Investigation Announced
On Tuesday, the government official disclosed that an inquiry would be started into unrest surrounding the declaration of the election results.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals were killed," he said, without providing a exact count of protesters who have been fatally injured in the confrontations.
The minister noted that a number of members of the police and military also suffered significant wounds.
Current Situation
While Nji asserted the condition throughout Cameroon was now stable, protesters remain active in various areas of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters set up obstructions on that day, and ignited tyres on the streets.
Analysts caution that the election-related unrest could lead the nation into a leadership vacuum.
