Cameroon Political Opposition Figure Faces Legal Action Over Electoral Turmoil, Authorities Declares
The nation's Interior Minister the interior minister has announced that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he instigated "violent election protests".
A minimum of 4 protesters have been killed during skirmishes between police and military and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 securing an eighth presidential mandate.
Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he was the true winner, a claim rejected by the incumbent party, the ruling CPDM.
Aggressive responses by police and security officers on demonstrators have concerned the global community, with the United Nations, AU and European Union demanding restraint.
Official's Accusations
On Tuesday, the interior minister accused Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he labeled "unlawful" demonstrations resulting in the loss of lives, and also criticised him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.
He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates involved in an insurrectionary plan" will also be prosecuted.
Vote Outcome
Paul Biya, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, secured the October 12 vote with over half of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.
Challenger's Position
Tchiroma Bakary is remains silent to the official announcement to try him, but he had before stated that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being detained.
On election result day, he said that armed men used lethal force on protesters present near his house in Garoua, causing the death of at least two people.
Inquiry Revealed
On Tuesday, the government official revealed that an inquiry would be started into unrest prior to and following the declaration of the vote outcome.
"During these attacks, some of the individuals involved lost their lives," he commented, without providing a specific number of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the incidents.
The minister further mentioned that several officers of the law enforcement also sustained major harm.
Present Conditions
While the interior minister insisted the situation throughout Cameroon was now stable, demonstrators remain active in various areas of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators set up obstructions on that day, and ignited rubber on the roads.
Observers warn that the election-related unrest could push the nation into a political crisis.