Cameroonian Opposition Figure Confronts Legal Action Over Electoral Turmoil, Government Announces
Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has announced that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he provoked "aggressive election protests".
A minimum of four protesters have been lost their lives during skirmishes between security forces and demonstrators since the electoral process on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth term in office.
The opposition leader insists that he won the election, a claim disputed by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.
Violent crackdowns by law enforcement on protesters have worried the world leaders, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union calling for caution.
Official's Accusations
On Tuesday, the interior minister accused the opposition figure of organising what he labeled "unauthorized" rallies resulting in the loss of lives, and also rebuked him for declaring victory in the presidential race.
He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices involved in an insurrectionary plan" will also undergo judicial processes.
Poll Figures
The president, who came to power in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the October 12 vote with over half of the votes, compared to just over a third for Tchiroma Bakary, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Leader's Stance
Tchiroma Bakary is remains silent to the government's decision to prosecute him, but he had previously announced that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being detained.
On election result day, he reported that security forces shot on protesters present near his residence in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 individuals.
Probe Launched
On Tuesday, the interior minister revealed that an inquiry would be initiated into clashes before and after the announcement of the poll figures.
"During these attacks, some of the criminals were killed," he commented, without providing a specific number of demonstrators who have been killed in the clashes.
The minister further mentioned that a number of officers of the law enforcement also suffered serious injuries.
Ongoing Circumstances
While Nji asserted the state of affairs nationwide was now stable, demonstrators continue to protest in some parts of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters set up obstructions on that day, and burnt tires on the thoroughfares.
Observers alert that the election-related unrest could lead the country into a governmental instability.