Cameroonian Opposition Leader to Face Court Action Over Electoral Turmoil, Government Says
The nation's Interior Minister the interior minister has announced that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over accusations that he incited "violent election protests".
No fewer than 4 protesters have been killed during confrontations between police and military and protesters since the electoral process on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth consecutive term.
The opposition leader asserts that he emerged victorious, a statement dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.
Violent crackdowns by police and security officers on protesters have concerned the global community, with the United Nations, AU and EU urging moderation.
Minister's Accusations
Earlier this week, the interior minister charged the opposition figure of planning what he described as "unlawful" protests resulting in the deaths, and also criticised him for declaring victory in the election.
He noted that the opposition leader's "accomplices behind an subversive plot" will also face legal action.
Vote Outcome
Cameroon's leader, who took control in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, won the October 12 vote with over half of the votes, compared to 35.2% for his opponent, according to the constitutional court.
Challenger's Position
The opposition figure is remains silent to the official announcement to prosecute him, but he had earlier stated that he rejected a fraudulent outcome - and that he was undaunted of being taken into custody.
On election result day, he claimed that gunmen used lethal force on demonstrators present near his home in Garoua, killing at least 2 individuals.
Inquiry Launched
Recently, the interior minister announced that an investigation would be launched into clashes surrounding the publication of the vote outcome.
"During these attacks, some of the perpetrators lost their lives," he stated, without giving a precise figure of protesters who have been killed in the confrontations.
The minister added that several personnel of the security forces also suffered serious injuries.
Current Situation
While the interior minister insisted the state of affairs throughout Cameroon was now stable, protesters are still demonstrating in some parts of the country, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators established obstructions on that day, and set fire to tires on the streets.
Observers alert that the political turmoil could lead the nation into a leadership vacuum.