Cameroon Political Opposition Leader to Face Legal Action Regarding Post-Election Violence, Government Declares
The nation's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has stated that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over accusations that he instigated "aggressive electoral rallies".
No fewer than four demonstrators have been fatally wounded during clashes between security forces and opposition supporters since the presidential election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state obtaining an eighth term in office.
Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he was the true winner, a claim dismissed by the incumbent party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Aggressive responses by police and security officers on protesters have concerned the global community, with the United Nations, African Union and EU demanding restraint.
Official's Allegations
Earlier this week, the interior minister charged the opposition figure of coordinating what he described as "unauthorized" rallies causing the fatalities, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the election.
He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices behind an insurrectionary plan" will also undergo judicial processes.
Election Results
Paul Biya, who came to power in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, secured the October 12 election with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for his opponent, according to the constitutional court.
Challenger's Position
Tchiroma Bakary is yet to respond to the authorities' move to bring him to court, but he had before stated that he refused to acknowledge a rigged election - and that he was not afraid of being detained.
On election result day, he claimed that gunmen used lethal force on demonstrators gathered near his residence in the city of Garoua, killing at least two civilians.
Inquiry Revealed
Recently, the interior minister announced that an inquiry would be initiated into unrest before and after the declaration of the vote outcome.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the perpetrators were killed," he commented, without providing a exact count of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the clashes.
The minister added that multiple members of the law enforcement also received serious injuries.
Current Situation
Even though the interior minister insisted the condition across the country was now stable, demonstrators remain active in some parts of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators mounted roadblocks on Tuesday, and set fire to rubber on the thoroughfares.
Experts alert that the post-electoral violence could push the nation into a governmental instability.