Cameroon Political Opposition Leader Confronts Legal Action Regarding Electoral Turmoil, Government Declares
Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has announced that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over allegations that he instigated "aggressive post-election demonstrations".
At least 4 demonstrators have been fatally wounded during confrontations between police and military and protesters since the presidential election on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth consecutive term.
Issa Tchiroma insists that he was the true winner, a statement dismissed by the incumbent party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Violent crackdowns by police and security officers on demonstrators have alarmed the international community, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union urging caution.
Minister's Accusations
Earlier this week, the interior minister charged Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he labeled "illegal" protests causing the deaths, and also rebuked him for declaring victory in the presidential race.
He further stated that the opposition leader's "accomplices involved in an subversive plot" will also undergo judicial processes.
Vote Outcome
Paul Biya, who took control in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, obtained the 12 October presidential election with over half of the votes, compared to 35.2% for his opponent, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Challenger's Position
The opposition figure is yet to respond to the official announcement to bring him to court, but he had earlier announced that he rejected a stolen vote - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.
Following the vote count, he claimed that security forces opened fire on demonstrators assembled near his house in the city of Garoua, killing at least 2 civilians.
Probe Launched
Earlier this week, the interior minister disclosed that an investigation would be launched into violent incidents surrounding the publication of the vote outcome.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the perpetrators died," he stated, without giving a exact count of protesters who have been lost their lives in the confrontations.
The minister added that several officers of the law enforcement also sustained major harm.
Ongoing Circumstances
Although Nji maintained the condition throughout Cameroon was now stable, protesters continue to protest in certain regions of the nation, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators set up barricades on Tuesday, and set fire to tyres on the thoroughfares.
Experts alert that the political turmoil could plunge the nation into a leadership vacuum.