Cameroon Opposition Leader Confronts Legal Action Concerning Electoral Turmoil, Government Says
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has announced that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over accusations that he instigated "aggressive electoral rallies".
A minimum of four protesters have been fatally wounded during clashes between law enforcement and protesters since the electoral process on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya securing an eighth presidential mandate.
The opposition leader insists that he was the true winner, a claim dismissed by the incumbent party, the CPDM.
Aggressive responses by security personnel on protesters have concerned the world leaders, with the UN, African Union and EU urging restraint.
Minister's Accusations
Earlier this week, Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he labeled "unauthorized" protests causing the fatalities, and also criticised him for claiming win in the presidential race.
He further stated that the opposition leader's "accomplices behind an insurrectionary plan" will also undergo judicial processes.
Vote Outcome
Paul Biya, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, won the October 12 vote with 53.7% of the votes, compared to 35.2% for his opponent, according to the electoral authority.
Challenger's Position
Issa Tchiroma is yet to respond to the authorities' move to try him, but he had earlier announced that he rejected a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being detained.
When results were announced, he said that armed men used lethal force on protesters gathered near his house in Garoua, killing at least 2 people.
Investigation Announced
Earlier this week, the government official revealed that an inquiry would be launched into violent incidents before and after the publication of the election results.
"During these attacks, some of the individuals involved lost their lives," he said, without giving a precise figure of protesters who have been killed in the confrontations.
Nji noted that multiple officers of the law enforcement also suffered significant wounds.
Current Situation
Even though Nji maintained the situation nationwide was now stable, demonstrators are still demonstrating in some parts of the nation, especially in urban centers, where protesters established obstructions on that day, and ignited rubber on the roads.
Experts alert that the political turmoil could plunge the nation into a leadership vacuum.