Cameroon Opposition Leader Confronts Court Action Concerning Post-Election Violence, Authorities Says
The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has announced that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over claims that he instigated "aggressive electoral rallies".
At least four protesters have been killed during confrontations between security forces and protesters since the presidential election on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 winning an eighth presidential mandate.
The opposition leader maintains that he won the election, a assertion dismissed by the governing party, the ruling CPDM.
Violent crackdowns by security personnel on protesters have concerned the global community, with the UN, African Union and EU calling for restraint.
Official's Claims
Earlier this week, the interior minister accused the opposition figure of planning what he labeled "unlawful" demonstrations resulting in the fatalities, and also rebuked him for declaring victory in the presidential race.
He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators behind an insurrectionary plan" will also undergo judicial processes.
Poll Figures
Paul Biya, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, won the October 12 presidential election with 53.7% of the vote, compared to 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Opposition Response
Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the authorities' move to try him, but he had before stated that he rejected a fraudulent outcome - and that he was fearless of being arrested.
On election result day, he reported that gunmen shot on protesters gathered near his residence in Garoua, causing the death of at least two people.
Probe Announced
Earlier this week, the interior minister revealed that an investigation would be launched into unrest before and after the declaration of the poll figures.
"During these attacks, some of the perpetrators were killed," he said, without giving a specific number of protesters who have been killed in the clashes.
The minister further mentioned that several members of the security forces also suffered major harm.
Ongoing Circumstances
While the interior minister maintained the situation nationwide was now manageable, protesters remain active in certain regions of the nation, especially in these two cities, where protesters established obstructions on Tuesday, and set fire to tyres on the roads.
Analysts caution that the post-electoral violence could plunge the nation into a leadership vacuum.
