Cameroonian Opposition Figure to Face Legal Proceedings Concerning Electoral Turmoil, Government Declares
The nation's Interior Minister the interior minister has announced that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he incited "aggressive electoral rallies".
No fewer than 4 demonstrators have been lost their lives during skirmishes between law enforcement and demonstrators since the electoral process on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 securing an eighth consecutive term.
Tchiroma Bakary asserts that he emerged victorious, a statement rejected by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Aggressive responses by police and security officers on protesters have alarmed the international community, with the UN, AU and EU calling for restraint.
Official's Claims
On Tuesday, the interior minister accused the opposition figure of planning what he labeled "unauthorized" rallies resulting in the loss of lives, and also criticised him for announcing success in the election.
He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices involved in an subversive plot" will also face legal action.
Vote Outcome
The president, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, obtained the 12 October election with a majority of the ballots, compared to just over a third for his opponent, according to the constitutional court.
Opposition Response
The opposition figure is has not yet commented to the authorities' move to prosecute him, but he had earlier declared that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was undaunted of being taken into custody.
Following the vote count, he reported that gunmen used lethal force on demonstrators gathered near his house in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 civilians.
Probe Launched
Earlier this week, the interior minister disclosed that an inquiry would be launched into clashes surrounding the publication of the poll figures.
"Throughout the violence, some of the individuals involved lost their lives," he stated, without providing a specific number of protesters who have been fatally injured in the incidents.
The minister further mentioned that several officers of the security forces also suffered significant wounds.
Current Situation
While Nji maintained the condition throughout Cameroon was now stable, demonstrators are still demonstrating in some parts of the country, especially in urban centers, where protesters set up roadblocks on Tuesday, and set fire to rubber on the thoroughfares.
Analysts warn that the post-electoral violence could plunge the country into a leadership vacuum.