Cameroonian Opposition Figure to Face Legal Proceedings Concerning Election Unrest, Government Says
The nation's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has declared that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he incited "violent election protests".
At least four protesters have been fatally wounded during clashes between police and military and demonstrators since the presidential election on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya securing an eighth consecutive term.
Tchiroma Bakary asserts that he was the true winner, a statement dismissed by the governing party, the CPDM.
Forceful measures by police and security officers on protesters have concerned the international community, with the United Nations, AU and EU calling for caution.
Minister's Allegations
On Tuesday, Nji alleged the opposition figure of coordinating what he described as "unlawful" protests causing the deaths, and also condemned him for announcing success in the presidential race.
He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices involved in an subversive plot" will also face legal action.
Poll Figures
Cameroon's leader, who took control in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, won the October 12 presidential election with 53.7% of the votes, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to the electoral authority.
Leader's Stance
The opposition figure is remains silent to the official announcement to try him, but he had before announced that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being taken into custody.
On election result day, he claimed that security forces shot on demonstrators gathered near his home in the city of Garoua, killing at least two civilians.
Probe Revealed
Earlier this week, the government official disclosed that an probe would be initiated into clashes surrounding the declaration of the vote outcome.
"During these attacks, some of the individuals involved died," he commented, without offering a precise figure of protesters who have been killed in the confrontations.
The minister added that several personnel of the law enforcement also suffered serious injuries.
Current Situation
Although Nji maintained the condition nationwide was now stable, protesters are still demonstrating in various areas of the country, especially in these two cities, where protesters established obstructions on that day, and burnt tyres on the thoroughfares.
Analysts warn that the election-related unrest could push the nation into a governmental instability.