Cameroon Political Opposition Figure Faces Court Action Over Post-Election Violence, Government Says
Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has announced that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over claims that he provoked "aggressive post-election demonstrations".
At least four demonstrators have been fatally wounded during clashes between security forces and opposition supporters since the presidential election on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 winning an eighth consecutive term.
The opposition leader maintains that he won the election, a statement rejected by the incumbent party, the CPDM.
Forceful measures by law enforcement on protesters have concerned the global community, with the United Nations, AU and European Union demanding caution.
Official's Allegations
Earlier this week, the interior minister charged the opposition figure of planning what he described as "unlawful" rallies leading to the deaths, and also condemned him for claiming win in the electoral contest.
He added that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators behind an subversive plot" will also face legal action.
Poll Figures
Paul Biya, who took control in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, obtained the October 12 presidential election with over half of the vote, compared to 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.
Challenger's Position
Tchiroma Bakary is yet to respond to the official announcement to try him, but he had previously stated that he rejected a rigged election - and that he was fearless of being detained.
When results were announced, he reported that gunmen used lethal force on protesters gathered near his house in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least two people.
Probe Revealed
On Tuesday, the government official revealed that an investigation would be started into clashes before and after the announcement of the election results.
"During these attacks, some of the perpetrators lost their lives," he said, without providing a specific number of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the clashes.
Nji further mentioned that multiple members of the law enforcement also received major harm.
Ongoing Circumstances
Although Nji maintained the situation across the country was now stable, protesters are still demonstrating in some parts of the nation, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators set up barricades on that day, and ignited rubber on the roads.
Experts alert that the political turmoil could push the country into a political crisis.
