Cameroon Political Opposition Figure to Face Legal Action Regarding Electoral Turmoil, Authorities Declares
The nation's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has declared that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over claims that he incited "aggressive election protests".
No fewer than four demonstrators have been lost their lives during clashes between police and military and opposition supporters since the presidential election on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya securing an eighth presidential mandate.
Issa Tchiroma asserts that he emerged victorious, a statement rejected by the incumbent party, the CPDM.
Violent crackdowns by police and security officers on demonstrators have alarmed the global community, with the United Nations, AU and European Union demanding restraint.
Official's Accusations
Earlier this week, Nji alleged the opposition figure of coordinating what he referred to as "unlawful" protests causing the fatalities, and also criticised him for claiming win in the presidential race.
He noted that the opposition leader's "accomplices behind an subversive plot" will also be prosecuted.
Poll Figures
Paul Biya, who took control in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, obtained the October 12 election with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Challenger's Position
Issa Tchiroma is has not yet commented to the authorities' move to try him, but he had before declared that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.
When results were announced, he said that armed men used lethal force on demonstrators gathered near his residence in the city of Garoua, killing at least two individuals.
Investigation Launched
Earlier this week, the interior minister announced that an probe would be launched into violent incidents prior to and following the declaration of the poll figures.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals died," he said, without providing a specific number of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the clashes.
Nji added that multiple members of the security forces also suffered serious injuries.
Current Situation
While Nji asserted the situation across the country was now stable, demonstrators remain active in various areas of the country, especially in urban centers, where protesters established barricades on that day, and burnt rubber on the streets.
Observers warn that the election-related unrest could push the country into a governmental instability.