Cameroonian Political Opposition Figure Confronts Court Action Over Post-Election Violence, Government Declares
The nation's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has stated that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he provoked "aggressive election protests".
A minimum of 4 demonstrators have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between law enforcement and demonstrators since the electoral process on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya securing an eighth term in office.
The opposition leader maintains that he was the true winner, a assertion rejected by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Aggressive responses by police and security officers on demonstrators have worried the international community, with the UN, AU and EU demanding caution.
Official's Claims
Earlier this week, Nji alleged the opposition figure of organising what he referred to as "illegal" demonstrations causing the deaths, and also criticised him for declaring victory in the presidential race.
He further stated that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators behind an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.
Election Results
Cameroon's leader, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the 12 October vote with over half of the votes, compared to 35.2% for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.
Leader's Stance
Tchiroma Bakary is has not yet commented to the official announcement to try him, but he had earlier stated that he rejected a rigged election - and that he was not afraid of being detained.
On election result day, he reported that gunmen opened fire on demonstrators assembled near his residence in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least two people.
Probe Revealed
On Tuesday, the government official revealed that an investigation would be started into unrest prior to and following the declaration of the poll figures.
"During these attacks, some of the perpetrators died," he stated, without providing a exact count of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the incidents.
Nji further mentioned that multiple officers of the security forces also received significant wounds.
Ongoing Circumstances
Even though Nji maintained the state of affairs across the country was now stable, demonstrators remain active in various areas of the country, especially in urban centers, where protesters set up roadblocks on that day, and ignited tyres on the streets.
Analysts alert that the election-related unrest could lead the country into a political crisis.