Cameroonian Opposition Figure Faces Legal Proceedings Regarding Post-Election Violence, Authorities Announces
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has announced that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over allegations that he incited "violent post-election demonstrations".
No fewer than four protesters have been killed during skirmishes between police and military and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state obtaining an eighth term in office.
The opposition leader insists that he was the true winner, a assertion dismissed by the governing party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Violent crackdowns by law enforcement on demonstrators have concerned the international community, with the United Nations, African Union and EU demanding restraint.
Official's Claims
On Tuesday, Nji alleged Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he labeled "illegal" rallies causing the fatalities, and also criticised him for claiming win in the presidential race.
He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices involved in an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.
Election Results
Cameroon's leader, who took control in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the October 12 election with 53.7% of the votes, compared to 35.2% for the challenger, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Leader's Stance
Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the official announcement to try him, but he had earlier announced that he would not accept a fraudulent outcome - and that he was not afraid of being taken into custody.
When results were announced, he reported that security forces shot on demonstrators assembled near his residence in Garoua, causing the death of at least two civilians.
Probe Announced
Earlier this week, the government official announced that an inquiry would be started into unrest prior to and following the publication of the election results.
"During these attacks, some of the criminals died," he commented, without providing a precise figure of protesters who have been killed in the clashes.
The minister noted that multiple members of the law enforcement also sustained major harm.
Present Conditions
Even though the interior minister insisted the condition nationwide was now manageable, demonstrators remain active in certain regions of the country, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators set up barricades on Tuesday, and ignited rubber on the streets.
Experts warn that the political turmoil could plunge the country into a leadership vacuum.