Cameroon Political Opposition Figure Confronts Court Action Concerning Election Unrest, Authorities Declares
Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has stated that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over accusations that he instigated "violent election protests".
At least 4 protesters have been killed during clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 securing an eighth presidential mandate.
Issa Tchiroma maintains that he was the true winner, a assertion dismissed by the incumbent party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Forceful measures by law enforcement on protesters have worried the world leaders, with the United Nations, African Union and EU demanding caution.
Minister's Allegations
Recently, the interior minister charged the opposition figure of coordinating what he described as "unlawful" rallies causing the fatalities, and also criticised him for announcing success in the election.
He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action.
Poll Figures
Cameroon's leader, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, won the 12 October presidential election with a majority of the ballots, compared to 35.2% for the challenger, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Challenger's Position
Issa Tchiroma is yet to respond to the official announcement to try him, but he had previously announced that he rejected a fraudulent outcome - and that he was undaunted of being arrested.
When results were announced, he reported that armed men used lethal force on demonstrators gathered near his residence in Garoua, killing at least 2 people.
Investigation Launched
Recently, the government official disclosed that an investigation would be started into unrest prior to and following the declaration of the poll figures.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the individuals involved lost their lives," he said, without offering a precise figure of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the incidents.
The minister added that several personnel of the security forces also sustained major harm.
Present Conditions
While the interior minister insisted the condition nationwide was now stable, protesters remain active in certain regions of the nation, especially in urban centers, where protesters mounted obstructions on that day, and burnt rubber on the roads.
Experts caution that the post-electoral violence could plunge the nation into a political crisis.