Cameroon Opposition Figure to Face Legal Proceedings Concerning Post-Election Violence, Government Announces
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has stated that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over allegations that he incited "violent post-election demonstrations".
At least 4 demonstrators have been fatally wounded during clashes between security forces and demonstrators since the presidential election on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya obtaining an eighth term in office.
Issa Tchiroma asserts that he was the true winner, a assertion dismissed by the incumbent party, the CPDM.
Aggressive responses by security personnel on protesters have concerned the world leaders, with the United Nations, AU and EU urging moderation.
Minister's Accusations
On Tuesday, Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he described as "illegal" demonstrations resulting in the fatalities, and also condemned him for claiming win in the presidential race.
He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.
Poll Figures
The president, who took control in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, won the October 12 election with a majority of the vote, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Leader's Stance
Issa Tchiroma is has not yet commented to the official announcement to try him, but he had before stated that he rejected a fraudulent outcome - and that he was not afraid of being detained.
Following the vote count, he said that gunmen used lethal force on protesters assembled near his home in the city of Garoua, killing at least two civilians.
Probe Revealed
On Tuesday, the government official announced that an investigation would be launched into clashes prior to and following the declaration of the poll figures.
"Throughout the violence, some of the criminals were killed," he commented, without giving a specific number of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the clashes.
The minister further mentioned that multiple personnel of the security forces also received significant wounds.
Present Conditions
Even though Nji insisted the condition across the country was now manageable, protesters continue to protest in some parts of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters set up barricades on Tuesday, and set fire to tires on the thoroughfares.
Analysts alert that the election-related unrest could lead the country into a leadership vacuum.