Cameroon Political Opposition Leader to Face Legal Proceedings Regarding Election Unrest, Government Says
The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has stated that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over allegations that he incited "violent election protests".
No fewer than 4 demonstrators have been killed during confrontations between police and military and protesters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth presidential mandate.
Issa Tchiroma insists that he emerged victorious, a assertion dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the ruling CPDM.
Violent crackdowns by law enforcement on demonstrators have concerned the international community, with the UN, African Union and European Union urging restraint.
Official's Accusations
Earlier this week, Nji accused the opposition figure of organising what he described as "unauthorized" protests leading to the loss of lives, and also rebuked him for claiming win in the electoral contest.
He noted that the opposition leader's "associates involved in an insurrectionary plan" will also be prosecuted.
Election Results
Paul Biya, who took control in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, won the 12 October presidential election with 53.7% of the vote, compared to a significant minority for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the constitutional court.
Leader's Stance
Tchiroma Bakary is has not yet commented to the official announcement to try him, but he had before stated that he refused to acknowledge a fraudulent outcome - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.
When results were announced, he said that gunmen used lethal force on protesters gathered near his home in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least two individuals.
Inquiry Revealed
Earlier this week, the interior minister revealed that an inquiry would be launched into unrest prior to and following the announcement of the election results.
"Throughout the violence, some of the criminals died," he commented, without offering a specific number of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the confrontations.
Nji added that multiple members of the police and military also sustained serious injuries.
Current Situation
Even though Nji asserted the state of affairs across the country was now stable, protesters continue to protest in certain regions of the country, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators mounted roadblocks on Tuesday, and ignited tyres on the streets.
Analysts caution that the election-related unrest could push the country into a political crisis.