Cameroon Opposition Leader Confronts Legal Action Concerning Electoral Turmoil, Authorities Announces
The nation's Interior Minister the interior minister has announced that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over accusations that he instigated "violent election protests".
No fewer than 4 demonstrators have been fatally wounded during confrontations between law enforcement and demonstrators since the electoral process on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 securing an eighth term in office.
Issa Tchiroma insists that he emerged victorious, a claim dismissed by the governing party, the CPDM.
Aggressive responses by security personnel on protesters have concerned the international community, with the United Nations, African Union and EU calling for restraint.
Minister's Claims
Earlier this week, the interior minister alleged Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he referred to as "illegal" rallies resulting in the deaths, and also criticised him for claiming win in the presidential race.
He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.
Election Results
Paul Biya, who came to power in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the October 12 presidential election with a majority of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.
Challenger's Position
Tchiroma Bakary is yet to respond to the authorities' move to bring him to court, but he had previously stated that he rejected a fraudulent outcome - and that he was fearless of being taken into custody.
On election result day, he claimed that security forces shot on protesters assembled near his residence in Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 people.
Inquiry Launched
Earlier this week, the interior minister revealed that an probe would be initiated into clashes surrounding the declaration of the poll figures.
"Throughout the violence, some of the criminals were killed," he said, without giving a precise figure of protesters who have been killed in the incidents.
Nji added that multiple members of the security forces also received major harm.
Current Situation
While Nji maintained the condition across the country was now under control, demonstrators remain active in some parts of the nation, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators mounted roadblocks on that day, and burnt rubber on the thoroughfares.
Experts caution that the political turmoil could push the nation into a political crisis.