Cameroonian Political Opposition Leader Confronts Court Action Concerning Post-Election Violence, Authorities Declares
The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has declared that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over accusations that he provoked "violent election protests".
At least four demonstrators have been lost their lives during clashes between police and military and demonstrators since the electoral process on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state securing an eighth consecutive term.
Issa Tchiroma maintains that he won the election, a claim disputed by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.
Aggressive responses by police and security officers on demonstrators have alarmed the world leaders, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union urging moderation.
Minister's Claims
Recently, Nji alleged the opposition figure of coordinating what he labeled "unauthorized" rallies leading to the deaths, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.
He noted that the opposition leader's "associates responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also face legal action.
Poll Figures
Paul Biya, who took control in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the 12 October presidential election with 53.7% of the votes, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Challenger's Position
The opposition figure is yet to respond to the authorities' move to bring him to court, but he had before declared that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being arrested.
When results were announced, he claimed that security forces used lethal force on demonstrators present near his house in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 people.
Probe Launched
Recently, the interior minister revealed that an investigation would be launched into unrest before and after the publication of the poll figures.
"During these attacks, some of the perpetrators were killed," he stated, without providing a specific number of protesters who have been lost their lives in the confrontations.
Nji added that several officers of the security forces also received significant wounds.
Present Conditions
While the interior minister insisted the situation throughout Cameroon was now manageable, protesters remain active in various areas of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters set up roadblocks on that day, and burnt rubber on the roads.
Experts alert that the post-electoral violence could lead the country into a governmental instability.