Cameroon Political Opposition Leader to Face Legal Proceedings Over Electoral Turmoil, Authorities Says
Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has announced that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he instigated "aggressive electoral rallies".
At least 4 protesters have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between police and military and protesters since the electoral process on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.
The opposition leader maintains that he emerged victorious, a assertion rejected by Biya's ruling party, the ruling CPDM.
Violent crackdowns by police and security officers on demonstrators have concerned the international community, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union urging caution.
Official's Claims
On Tuesday, Nji charged the opposition figure of organising what he referred to as "unauthorized" rallies resulting in the fatalities, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the election.
He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators behind an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action.
Poll Figures
The president, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, won the October 12 vote with over half of the vote, compared to a significant minority for Tchiroma Bakary, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Opposition Response
The opposition figure is remains silent to the government's decision to prosecute him, but he had earlier stated that he rejected a fraudulent outcome - and that he was not afraid of being detained.
Following the vote count, he reported that armed men shot on demonstrators assembled near his home in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 people.
Probe Announced
On Tuesday, the government official revealed that an inquiry would be launched into violent incidents surrounding the declaration of the election results.
"During these attacks, some of the criminals were killed," he stated, without giving a precise figure of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the incidents.
Nji added that multiple officers of the police and military also sustained significant wounds.
Ongoing Circumstances
Although Nji asserted the condition throughout Cameroon was now under control, demonstrators continue to protest in certain regions of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters mounted roadblocks on Tuesday, and burnt rubber on the thoroughfares.
Observers warn that the political turmoil could plunge the country into a governmental instability.