Cameroonian Opposition Figure to Face Court Action Regarding Electoral Turmoil, Government Declares
The nation's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has declared that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over accusations that he instigated "violent post-election demonstrations".
A minimum of four protesters have been fatally wounded during confrontations between police and military and demonstrators since the electoral process on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth consecutive term.
Issa Tchiroma asserts that he emerged victorious, a statement dismissed by the incumbent party, the CPDM.
Violent crackdowns by police and security officers on demonstrators have concerned the world leaders, with the UN, African Union and EU demanding moderation.
Minister's Claims
Earlier this week, the interior minister alleged Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he described as "illegal" protests leading to the deaths, and also criticised him for announcing success in the election.
He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices behind an subversive plot" will also be prosecuted.
Election Results
Cameroon's leader, who took control in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, secured the 12 October presidential election with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for the challenger, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Opposition Response
Issa Tchiroma is yet to respond to the authorities' move to prosecute him, but he had previously announced that he would not accept a fraudulent outcome - and that he was fearless of being detained.
On election result day, he reported that security forces used lethal force on protesters gathered near his residence in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least two people.
Inquiry Revealed
On Tuesday, the government official disclosed that an investigation would be launched into clashes prior to and following the announcement of the election results.
"Throughout the violence, some of the criminals were killed," he commented, without providing a precise figure of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the incidents.
The minister further mentioned that a number of personnel of the police and military also suffered significant wounds.
Ongoing Circumstances
Even though the interior minister insisted the state of affairs throughout Cameroon was now stable, demonstrators continue to protest in certain regions of the nation, especially in urban centers, where protesters mounted barricades on that day, and set fire to rubber on the thoroughfares.
Experts caution that the political turmoil could lead the country into a governmental instability.