Cameroon Political Opposition Figure to Face Legal Action Regarding Election Unrest, Government Says
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has stated that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over accusations that he provoked "violent election protests".
No fewer than 4 protesters have been lost their lives during skirmishes between law enforcement and protesters since the electoral process on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya securing an eighth consecutive term.
Issa Tchiroma maintains that he emerged victorious, a statement dismissed by the incumbent party, the ruling CPDM.
Violent crackdowns by police and security officers on protesters have worried the world leaders, with the UN, African Union and EU urging moderation.
Official's Claims
On Tuesday, the interior minister accused Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he referred to as "unauthorized" protests leading to the loss of lives, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the presidential race.
He added that the opposition leader's "accomplices responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also be prosecuted.
Election Results
Paul Biya, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, won the October 12 vote with 53.7% of the vote, compared to 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.
Challenger's Position
Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the official announcement to try him, but he had before stated that he would not accept a fraudulent outcome - and that he was not afraid of being arrested.
On election result day, he said that security forces used lethal force on demonstrators assembled near his residence in Garoua, fatally wounding at least two people.
Investigation Announced
On Tuesday, the interior minister revealed that an investigation would be initiated into violent incidents surrounding the announcement of the election results.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the individuals involved lost their lives," he stated, without giving a precise figure of protesters who have been killed in the clashes.
The minister noted that multiple personnel of the security forces also suffered significant wounds.
Ongoing Circumstances
Although the interior minister maintained the state of affairs throughout Cameroon was now under control, demonstrators remain active in various areas of the nation, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators mounted obstructions on Tuesday, and ignited tires on the roads.
Observers warn that the election-related unrest could plunge the country into a leadership vacuum.
