Cameroon Political Opposition Figure to Face Court Action Over Post-Election Violence, Government Says
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has stated that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over allegations that he incited "aggressive post-election demonstrations".
No fewer than 4 demonstrators have been killed during skirmishes between police and military and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 winning an eighth term in office.
Issa Tchiroma asserts that he was the true winner, a statement rejected by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.
Aggressive responses by law enforcement on demonstrators have concerned the world leaders, with the UN, AU and European Union urging restraint.
Minister's Allegations
Recently, Nji alleged the opposition figure of planning what he referred to as "illegal" protests resulting in the deaths, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.
He added that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators behind an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action.
Poll Figures
Cameroon's leader, who took control in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the 12 October presidential election with over half of the vote, compared to a significant minority for Tchiroma Bakary, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Opposition Response
The opposition figure is yet to respond to the official announcement to try him, but he had previously announced that he would not accept a fraudulent outcome - and that he was not afraid of being arrested.
Following the vote count, he said that armed men shot on protesters present near his house in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 civilians.
Probe Announced
Recently, the government official disclosed that an probe would be launched into unrest before and after the publication of the poll figures.
"Throughout the violence, some of the individuals involved died," he commented, without offering a specific number of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the incidents.
Nji noted that several members of the police and military also suffered serious injuries.
Ongoing Circumstances
Even though Nji asserted the condition throughout Cameroon was now under control, protesters remain active in various areas of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators established roadblocks on that day, and set fire to tires on the thoroughfares.
Experts warn that the post-electoral violence could push the country into a leadership vacuum.