Cameroonian Opposition Figure Confronts Legal Proceedings Regarding Electoral Turmoil, Authorities Says
The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has stated that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over allegations that he instigated "aggressive election protests".
No fewer than four demonstrators have been killed during clashes between security forces and protesters since Cameroon's election on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya securing an eighth consecutive term.
The opposition leader asserts that he emerged victorious, a assertion rejected by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.
Aggressive responses by security personnel on protesters have concerned the international community, with the UN, AU and EU demanding caution.
Official's Claims
Earlier this week, Nji alleged the opposition figure of planning what he described as "unauthorized" rallies leading to the loss of lives, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the presidential race.
He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices involved in an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.
Election Results
Cameroon's leader, who came to power in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the 12 October presidential election with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the constitutional court.
Challenger's Position
The opposition figure is yet to respond to the official announcement to bring him to court, but he had previously declared that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being taken into custody.
When results were announced, he claimed that security forces shot on demonstrators gathered near his home in Garoua, killing at least two individuals.
Investigation Announced
Recently, the government official announced that an inquiry would be launched into unrest surrounding the publication of the election results.
"During these attacks, some of the individuals involved lost their lives," he commented, without providing a precise figure of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the clashes.
Nji noted that several members of the security forces also sustained significant wounds.
Present Conditions
Even though Nji maintained the state of affairs across the country was now manageable, demonstrators continue to protest in various areas of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators mounted obstructions on Tuesday, and set fire to tires on the thoroughfares.
Observers caution that the post-electoral violence could lead the country into a governmental instability.