Cameroonian Opposition Leader Faces Court Action Regarding Electoral Turmoil, Authorities Says
The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has stated that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over allegations that he instigated "violent post-election demonstrations".
At least 4 protesters have been fatally wounded during clashes between police and military and opposition supporters since the electoral process on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth consecutive term.
Issa Tchiroma insists that he won the election, a statement rejected by the incumbent party, the ruling CPDM.
Aggressive responses by security personnel on demonstrators have concerned the international community, with the United Nations, AU and EU demanding moderation.
Official's Allegations
On Tuesday, Nji charged the opposition figure of organising what he referred to as "unlawful" demonstrations resulting in the deaths, and also criticised him for claiming win in the election.
He added that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators involved in an subversive plot" will also face legal action.
Vote Outcome
Cameroon's leader, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the October 12 presidential election with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.
Leader's Stance
Issa Tchiroma is yet to respond to the official announcement to bring him to court, but he had earlier stated that he rejected a fraudulent outcome - and that he was not afraid of being arrested.
On election result day, he said that security forces shot on demonstrators present near his residence in the city of Garoua, killing at least 2 civilians.
Investigation Revealed
On Tuesday, the interior minister disclosed that an probe would be launched into unrest prior to and following the declaration of the poll figures.
"During these attacks, some of the individuals involved died," he said, without providing a precise figure of protesters who have been fatally injured in the confrontations.
Nji further mentioned that several members of the police and military also suffered serious injuries.
Current Situation
Although the interior minister insisted the condition nationwide was now under control, protesters are still demonstrating in various areas of the country, especially in urban centers, where protesters set up obstructions on that day, and set fire to rubber on the thoroughfares.
Observers warn that the political turmoil could plunge the nation into a political crisis.