Cameroon Opposition Figure Confronts Court Action Concerning Election Unrest, Authorities Declares
Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has stated that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over accusations that he incited "violent election protests".
At least four protesters have been killed during confrontations between police and military and protesters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya winning an eighth consecutive term.
Issa Tchiroma maintains that he was the true winner, a statement rejected by the governing party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Violent crackdowns by law enforcement on protesters have concerned the global community, with the United Nations, AU and European Union urging restraint.
Minister's Accusations
Earlier this week, the interior minister alleged the opposition figure of coordinating what he labeled "unlawful" protests resulting in the deaths, and also criticised him for announcing success in the election.
He added that the opposition leader's "associates involved in an subversive plot" will also undergo judicial processes.
Election Results
Paul Biya, who took control in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, secured the October 12 vote with over half of the ballots, compared to 35.2% for the challenger, according to the electoral authority.
Opposition Response
The opposition figure is remains silent to the authorities' move to try him, but he had before declared that he refused to acknowledge a fraudulent outcome - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.
When results were announced, he reported that security forces used lethal force on demonstrators gathered near his residence in Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 individuals.
Investigation Revealed
On Tuesday, the interior minister revealed that an probe would be initiated into unrest prior to and following the declaration of the election results.
"During these attacks, some of the individuals involved were killed," he stated, without providing a precise figure of protesters who have been lost their lives in the confrontations.
Nji noted that a number of officers of the law enforcement also suffered major harm.
Current Situation
While Nji insisted the state of affairs nationwide was now stable, demonstrators remain active in certain regions of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators established roadblocks on Tuesday, and set fire to tyres on the roads.
Experts alert that the political turmoil could push the nation into a governmental instability.