Cameroon Political Opposition Figure Confronts Legal Proceedings Concerning Post-Election Violence, Authorities Declares
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has declared that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he instigated "violent electoral rallies".
A minimum of four protesters have been killed during skirmishes between security forces and protesters since the presidential election on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya securing an eighth presidential mandate.
Tchiroma Bakary asserts that he was the true winner, a statement disputed by Biya's ruling party, the ruling CPDM.
Violent crackdowns by law enforcement on protesters have alarmed the global community, with the United Nations, AU and European Union urging moderation.
Official's Claims
On Tuesday, Nji alleged the opposition figure of organising what he described as "unlawful" rallies leading to the loss of lives, and also condemned him for announcing success in the presidential race.
He added that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators behind an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.
Election Results
Paul Biya, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, won the October 12 vote with over half of the votes, compared to a significant minority for the challenger, according to the electoral authority.
Challenger's Position
Tchiroma Bakary is has not yet commented to the official announcement to bring him to court, but he had before stated that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being arrested.
Following the vote count, he claimed that security forces used lethal force on protesters gathered near his residence in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least two people.
Inquiry Announced
On Tuesday, the government official announced that an probe would be started into violent incidents prior to and following the announcement of the election results.
"Throughout the violence, some of the criminals were killed," he said, without offering a exact count of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the clashes.
The minister added that a number of personnel of the police and military also sustained major harm.
Ongoing Circumstances
Although Nji maintained the condition across the country was now stable, demonstrators continue to protest in various areas of the country, especially in these two cities, where protesters mounted roadblocks on that day, and ignited tires on the thoroughfares.
Experts caution that the political turmoil could lead the nation into a political crisis.
