Cameroon Opposition Figure Faces Court Action Regarding Post-Election Violence, Government Says
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has announced that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he provoked "violent election protests".
At least four protesters have been killed during confrontations between police and military and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth consecutive term.
Issa Tchiroma insists that he was the true winner, a claim disputed by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.
Forceful measures by law enforcement on demonstrators have alarmed the world leaders, with the United Nations, AU and European Union urging caution.
Minister's Accusations
On Tuesday, the interior minister alleged Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he labeled "illegal" demonstrations resulting in the deaths, and also rebuked him for declaring victory in the election.
He further stated that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also face legal action.
Election Results
Paul Biya, who took control in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, secured the 12 October election with a majority of the ballots, compared to 35.2% for the challenger, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Challenger's Position
Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the official announcement to try him, but he had previously announced that he refused to acknowledge a fraudulent outcome - and that he was fearless of being detained.
On election result day, he claimed that gunmen used lethal force on demonstrators present near his residence in Garoua, killing at least 2 people.
Investigation Announced
Earlier this week, the government official announced that an investigation would be initiated into violent incidents surrounding the declaration of the poll figures.
"Throughout the violence, some of the perpetrators were killed," he commented, without providing a specific number of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the incidents.
The minister noted that a number of personnel of the law enforcement also sustained major harm.
Ongoing Circumstances
While Nji asserted the situation across the country was now manageable, demonstrators remain active in some parts of the country, especially in these two cities, where protesters mounted barricades on Tuesday, and set fire to tyres on the streets.
Analysts warn that the political turmoil could push the nation into a political crisis.
