Cameroonian Opposition Figure Confronts Court Action Concerning Election Unrest, Government Declares
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has stated that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he provoked "violent electoral rallies".
At least four demonstrators have been lost their lives during confrontations between police and military and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 securing an eighth term in office.
The opposition leader asserts that he was the true winner, a statement rejected by the governing party, the ruling CPDM.
Violent crackdowns by security personnel on protesters have alarmed the world leaders, with the United Nations, AU and European Union calling for restraint.
Official's Claims
Earlier this week, Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he labeled "unauthorized" rallies resulting in the fatalities, and also rebuked him for claiming win in the presidential race.
He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices involved in an subversive plot" will also face legal action.
Election Results
The president, who took control in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, obtained the October 12 election with over half of the vote, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Opposition Response
Issa Tchiroma is yet to respond to the official announcement to bring him to court, but he had before declared that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being arrested.
Following the vote count, he reported that gunmen used lethal force on demonstrators assembled near his residence in Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 individuals.
Investigation Revealed
Recently, the government official disclosed that an probe would be launched into unrest prior to and following the publication of the poll figures.
"Throughout the violence, some of the individuals involved died," he stated, without offering a specific number of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the confrontations.
The minister added that multiple personnel of the police and military also sustained significant wounds.
Present Conditions
Even though Nji asserted the condition across the country was now under control, demonstrators are still demonstrating in various areas of the nation, especially in urban centers, where protesters mounted barricades on Tuesday, and ignited tyres on the streets.
Experts caution that the election-related unrest could lead the nation into a governmental instability.