Cameroonian Political Opposition Figure to Face Legal Proceedings Regarding Electoral Turmoil, Authorities Announces
The nation's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has announced that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over accusations that he incited "violent electoral rallies".
A minimum of four protesters have been killed during clashes between law enforcement and opposition supporters since the presidential election on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth term in office.
Tchiroma Bakary insists that he emerged victorious, a assertion disputed by the governing party, the CPDM.
Aggressive responses by law enforcement on protesters have worried the world leaders, with the UN, AU and European Union urging restraint.
Minister's Claims
Earlier this week, Nji alleged Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he labeled "illegal" protests leading to the fatalities, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the presidential race.
He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates involved in an subversive plot" will also face legal action.
Poll Figures
Cameroon's leader, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the October 12 vote with over half of the vote, compared to a significant minority for his opponent, according to the constitutional court.
Challenger's Position
Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had before stated that he rejected a fraudulent outcome - and that he was not afraid of being taken into custody.
When results were announced, he claimed that security forces used lethal force on protesters present near his residence in Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 individuals.
Investigation Revealed
Recently, the government official revealed that an inquiry would be launched into clashes before and after the announcement of the vote outcome.
"During these attacks, some of the criminals died," he commented, without giving a precise figure of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the incidents.
The minister noted that several officers of the security forces also suffered serious injuries.
Ongoing Circumstances
Even though Nji insisted the situation across the country was now stable, protesters continue to protest in certain regions of the country, especially in these two cities, where protesters established barricades on that day, and set fire to tires on the roads.
Experts warn that the post-electoral violence could plunge the nation into a political crisis.