Cameroon Opposition Figure Confronts Legal Action Over Electoral Turmoil, Government Announces
Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has stated that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over claims that he provoked "aggressive electoral rallies".
A minimum of 4 demonstrators have been killed during skirmishes between law enforcement and protesters since the electoral process on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state securing an eighth term in office.
The opposition leader maintains that he emerged victorious, a claim disputed by Biya's ruling party, the ruling CPDM.
Forceful measures by law enforcement on demonstrators have alarmed the global community, with the UN, AU and EU demanding restraint.
Minister's Accusations
Earlier this week, Nji charged Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he labeled "unlawful" protests leading to the deaths, and also criticised him for claiming win in the electoral contest.
He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators behind an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.
Vote Outcome
Cameroon's leader, who took control in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the October 12 election with a majority of the votes, compared to a significant minority for the challenger, according to the electoral authority.
Opposition Response
Issa Tchiroma is has not yet commented to the official announcement to try him, but he had previously announced that he refused to acknowledge a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being detained.
On election result day, he said that armed men opened fire on protesters present near his residence in Garoua, killing at least two individuals.
Investigation Launched
Earlier this week, the government official revealed that an investigation would be initiated into unrest prior to and following the publication of the poll figures.
"Throughout the violence, some of the criminals lost their lives," he stated, without giving a specific number of protesters who have been killed in the confrontations.
Nji added that several members of the police and military also received serious injuries.
Current Situation
While the interior minister maintained the state of affairs throughout Cameroon was now manageable, demonstrators are still demonstrating in various areas of the nation, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators established obstructions on that day, and ignited tyres on the roads.
Analysts warn that the political turmoil could lead the country into a political crisis.