Cameroonian Opposition Figure to Face Legal Proceedings Over Post-Election Violence, Authorities Announces
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has declared that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he instigated "violent election protests".
A minimum of 4 protesters have been lost their lives during skirmishes between law enforcement and demonstrators since the presidential election on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state obtaining an eighth consecutive term.
The opposition leader insists that he was the true winner, a assertion dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the ruling CPDM.
Aggressive responses by police and security officers on protesters have concerned the global community, with the United Nations, AU and EU demanding moderation.
Minister's Claims
Recently, Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he described as "unauthorized" rallies resulting in the loss of lives, and also condemned him for announcing success in the electoral contest.
He further stated that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators involved in an insurrectionary plan" will also undergo judicial processes.
Election Results
The president, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, secured the 12 October election with 53.7% of the votes, compared to just over a third for his opponent, according to the constitutional court.
Leader's Stance
The opposition figure is yet to respond to the official announcement to bring him to court, but he had before declared that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was undaunted of being detained.
Following the vote count, he claimed that armed men used lethal force on protesters assembled near his residence in Garoua, killing at least two individuals.
Investigation Launched
Recently, the interior minister disclosed that an inquiry would be launched into violent incidents surrounding the publication of the vote outcome.
"Throughout the violence, some of the perpetrators died," he said, without offering a precise figure of protesters who have been fatally injured in the incidents.
Nji further mentioned that a number of personnel of the police and military also suffered significant wounds.
Current Situation
Although the interior minister maintained the state of affairs nationwide was now stable, demonstrators are still demonstrating in some parts of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators set up barricades on that day, and ignited tyres on the roads.
Analysts alert that the political turmoil could plunge the country into a political crisis.