Cameroonian Political Opposition Leader Faces Legal Action Over Post-Election Violence, Authorities Announces
The nation's Interior Minister the interior minister has declared that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over allegations that he instigated "violent post-election demonstrations".
No fewer than four protesters have been killed during confrontations between law enforcement and demonstrators since the presidential election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state obtaining an eighth consecutive term.
Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he emerged victorious, a assertion dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.
Forceful measures by law enforcement on protesters have concerned the international community, with the United Nations, AU and European Union urging restraint.
Minister's Accusations
Recently, the interior minister alleged Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he described as "unauthorized" protests causing the loss of lives, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.
He noted that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators behind an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.
Vote Outcome
The president, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the October 12 election with a majority of the ballots, compared to just over a third for his opponent, according to the electoral authority.
Opposition Response
Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the government's decision to prosecute him, but he had before stated that he refused to acknowledge a rigged election - and that he was fearless of being arrested.
On election result day, he said that armed men opened fire on protesters present near his home in the city of Garoua, killing at least two civilians.
Inquiry Announced
On Tuesday, the government official disclosed that an investigation would be launched into unrest before and after the announcement of the vote outcome.
"During these attacks, some of the criminals died," he said, without offering a specific number of protesters who have been killed in the confrontations.
Nji further mentioned that multiple members of the police and military also sustained major harm.
Ongoing Circumstances
While Nji insisted the situation across the country was now stable, demonstrators continue to protest in various areas of the country, especially in these two cities, where protesters set up obstructions on Tuesday, and burnt tires on the thoroughfares.
Analysts alert that the election-related unrest could plunge the country into a leadership vacuum.
