Cameroonian Opposition Figure Confronts Legal Action Concerning Electoral Turmoil, Authorities Says
Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has announced that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over allegations that he provoked "aggressive election protests".
A minimum of four protesters have been fatally wounded during confrontations between security forces and protesters since the presidential election on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 winning an eighth presidential mandate.
Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he was the true winner, a claim rejected by the incumbent party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Violent crackdowns by security personnel on demonstrators have concerned the world leaders, with the United Nations, AU and European Union demanding restraint.
Official's Claims
Earlier this week, Nji accused the opposition figure of organising what he referred to as "unauthorized" protests leading to the loss of lives, and also criticised him for declaring victory in the presidential race.
He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates involved in an insurrectionary plan" will also face legal action.
Vote Outcome
Cameroon's leader, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, won the 12 October election with over half of the votes, compared to 35.2% for his opponent, according to the electoral authority.
Leader's Stance
The opposition figure is has not yet commented to the official announcement to prosecute him, but he had earlier announced that he refused to acknowledge a fraudulent outcome - and that he was fearless of being detained.
When results were announced, he claimed that armed men shot on protesters assembled near his home in Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 people.
Inquiry Revealed
On Tuesday, the interior minister announced that an probe would be launched into unrest before and after the publication of the vote outcome.
"During these attacks, some of the criminals died," he commented, without giving a exact count of protesters who have been fatally injured in the incidents.
Nji further mentioned that several officers of the police and military also sustained significant wounds.
Present Conditions
While Nji maintained the state of affairs throughout Cameroon was now manageable, protesters continue to protest in certain regions of the country, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators set up obstructions on Tuesday, and burnt tires on the roads.
Experts alert that the post-electoral violence could push the nation into a leadership vacuum.