Cameroonian Opposition Leader Confronts Court Action Regarding Electoral Turmoil, Government Announces
The nation's Interior Minister the interior minister has stated that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over accusations that he instigated "violent electoral rallies".
At least four demonstrators have been lost their lives during confrontations between security forces and protesters since Cameroon's election on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya winning an eighth consecutive term.
Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he won the election, a claim rejected by the governing party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Violent crackdowns by security personnel on demonstrators have worried the world leaders, with the United Nations, African Union and EU demanding restraint.
Official's Allegations
On Tuesday, Nji accused the opposition figure of coordinating what he labeled "unauthorized" protests leading to the deaths, and also criticised him for claiming win in the electoral contest.
He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.
Poll Figures
The president, who took control in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, obtained the 12 October election with 53.7% of the vote, compared to a significant minority for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the constitutional court.
Challenger's Position
Tchiroma Bakary is remains silent to the official announcement to bring him to court, but he had earlier stated that he would not accept a fraudulent outcome - and that he was fearless of being arrested.
On election result day, he claimed that gunmen used lethal force on protesters gathered near his home in Garoua, killing at least two people.
Inquiry Revealed
Recently, the interior minister disclosed that an probe would be started into violent incidents surrounding the declaration of the election results.
"During these attacks, some of the criminals lost their lives," he said, without offering a precise figure of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the confrontations.
Nji further mentioned that multiple personnel of the security forces also sustained significant wounds.
Ongoing Circumstances
Even though the interior minister maintained the situation across the country was now stable, protesters remain active in various areas of the nation, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators mounted roadblocks on that day, and set fire to tyres on the roads.
Observers caution that the political turmoil could push the country into a leadership vacuum.