Cameroonian Opposition Leader Confronts Court Action Concerning Electoral Turmoil, Authorities Declares
The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has announced that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he incited "aggressive electoral rallies".
No fewer than 4 demonstrators have been killed during clashes between security forces and demonstrators since the presidential election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state obtaining an eighth term in office.
Tchiroma Bakary asserts that he was the true winner, a assertion rejected by the governing party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Violent crackdowns by law enforcement on demonstrators have worried the international community, with the United Nations, AU and EU calling for caution.
Minister's Accusations
Earlier this week, the interior minister alleged Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he labeled "unlawful" protests leading to the fatalities, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the election.
He further stated that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators responsible for an subversive plot" will also be prosecuted.
Poll Figures
Cameroon's leader, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the October 12 election with over half of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for his opponent, according to the constitutional court.
Leader's Stance
Tchiroma Bakary is remains silent to the authorities' move to bring him to court, but he had previously declared that he rejected a rigged election - and that he was fearless of being arrested.
On election result day, he claimed that gunmen used lethal force on protesters gathered near his residence in the city of Garoua, killing at least 2 individuals.
Inquiry Revealed
Earlier this week, the interior minister disclosed that an probe would be started into unrest before and after the declaration of the poll figures.
"During these attacks, some of the criminals were killed," he stated, without giving a specific number of demonstrators who have been killed in the incidents.
The minister added that a number of personnel of the law enforcement also suffered significant wounds.
Ongoing Circumstances
Even though Nji insisted the condition nationwide was now under control, demonstrators continue to protest in certain regions of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters established barricades on Tuesday, and ignited tires on the thoroughfares.
Experts alert that the election-related unrest could plunge the nation into a governmental instability.
