Cameroon Political Opposition Leader Faces Legal Proceedings Regarding Election Unrest, Authorities Declares
Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has announced that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over claims that he incited "aggressive election protests".
A minimum of 4 demonstrators have been fatally wounded during clashes between security forces and demonstrators since the electoral process on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya securing an eighth presidential mandate.
Issa Tchiroma asserts that he won the election, a assertion disputed by the incumbent party, the CPDM.
Aggressive responses by police and security officers on demonstrators have alarmed the world leaders, with the UN, AU and EU calling for restraint.
Official's Accusations
Recently, Nji alleged Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he referred to as "unlawful" protests resulting in the fatalities, and also condemned him for claiming win in the electoral contest.
He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices responsible for an subversive plot" will also be prosecuted.
Vote Outcome
The president, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the October 12 presidential election with over half of the ballots, compared to just over a third for his opponent, according to the electoral authority.
Challenger's Position
The opposition figure is remains silent to the authorities' move to try him, but he had previously stated that he rejected a stolen vote - and that he was undaunted of being detained.
Following the vote count, he claimed that armed men opened fire on demonstrators present near his residence in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least two civilians.
Probe Revealed
Recently, the interior minister announced that an investigation would be launched into unrest prior to and following the announcement of the vote outcome.
"Throughout the violence, some of the individuals involved lost their lives," he stated, without offering a exact count of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the clashes.
Nji added that a number of personnel of the security forces also suffered serious injuries.
Ongoing Circumstances
Even though the interior minister insisted the situation throughout Cameroon was now stable, demonstrators continue to protest in certain regions of the country, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators mounted barricades on Tuesday, and set fire to tyres on the streets.
Experts warn that the political turmoil could plunge the country into a leadership vacuum.