Cameroon Opposition Figure to Face Court Action Regarding Election Unrest, Government Declares
The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has declared that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over accusations that he instigated "aggressive electoral rallies".
At least 4 protesters have been killed during clashes between security forces and protesters since Cameroon's election on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth term in office.
Tchiroma Bakary asserts that he emerged victorious, a assertion dismissed by the incumbent party, the ruling CPDM.
Forceful measures by police and security officers on demonstrators have alarmed the international community, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union demanding caution.
Minister's Claims
Earlier this week, Nji alleged Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he labeled "unlawful" demonstrations resulting in the deaths, and also rebuked him for claiming win in the electoral contest.
He added that the opposition leader's "accomplices responsible for an subversive plot" will also undergo judicial processes.
Vote Outcome
The president, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, won the 12 October presidential election with over half of the votes, compared to 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Leader's Stance
The opposition figure is yet to respond to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had before declared that he would not accept a rigged election - and that he was fearless of being arrested.
Following the vote count, he said that security forces opened fire on protesters present near his house in Garoua, killing at least 2 individuals.
Inquiry Announced
On Tuesday, the government official revealed that an inquiry would be started into unrest surrounding the announcement of the vote outcome.
"Throughout the violence, some of the perpetrators lost their lives," he commented, without giving a specific number of protesters who have been lost their lives in the incidents.
The minister further mentioned that multiple members of the police and military also sustained serious injuries.
Current Situation
Although the interior minister asserted the situation nationwide was now manageable, demonstrators remain active in some parts of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters set up roadblocks on that day, and burnt tires on the streets.
Analysts alert that the election-related unrest could push the country into a leadership vacuum.