Cameroonian Opposition Leader Confronts Legal Action Over Post-Election Violence, Authorities Says
The nation's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has announced that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over claims that he instigated "aggressive electoral rallies".
No fewer than four protesters have been fatally wounded during clashes between police and military and demonstrators since the electoral process on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 securing an eighth presidential mandate.
Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he was the true winner, a claim disputed by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.
Aggressive responses by police and security officers on demonstrators have concerned the global community, with the United Nations, AU and EU calling for caution.
Official's Allegations
On Tuesday, Nji alleged the opposition figure of organising what he referred to as "illegal" rallies causing the deaths, and also condemned him for announcing success in the election.
He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates behind an subversive plot" will also be prosecuted.
Vote Outcome
The president, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, won the October 12 presidential election with a majority of the votes, compared to 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.
Challenger's Position
Issa Tchiroma is has not yet commented to the authorities' move to bring him to court, but he had before announced that he rejected a rigged election - and that he was fearless of being detained.
When results were announced, he claimed that security forces used lethal force on demonstrators assembled near his house in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least two civilians.
Probe Revealed
On Tuesday, the interior minister revealed that an probe would be started into violent incidents before and after the announcement of the poll figures.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the individuals involved were killed," he stated, without offering a precise figure of protesters who have been lost their lives in the clashes.
Nji further mentioned that several officers of the law enforcement also received major harm.
Present Conditions
While Nji insisted the situation across the country was now manageable, demonstrators continue to protest in various areas of the country, especially in urban centers, where protesters set up obstructions on that day, and ignited tires on the streets.
Analysts caution that the post-electoral violence could lead the country into a political crisis.
