Cameroon Political Opposition Leader Confronts Court Action Over Post-Election Violence, 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 instigated "violent electoral rallies".
A minimum of four protesters have been killed during clashes between security forces and opposition supporters since the electoral process on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state securing an eighth consecutive term.
The opposition leader insists that he was the true winner, a assertion dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.
Aggressive responses by police and security officers on demonstrators have alarmed the world leaders, with the United Nations, AU and European Union urging restraint.
Official's Allegations
Recently, Nji charged the opposition figure of coordinating what he described as "unlawful" protests causing the deaths, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the election.
He noted that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators involved in an subversive plot" will also undergo judicial processes.
Poll Figures
Cameroon's leader, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, won the 12 October presidential election with over half of the vote, compared to just over a third for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the constitutional court.
Challenger's Position
The opposition figure is yet to respond to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had previously stated that he refused to acknowledge a fraudulent outcome - and that he was not afraid of being arrested.
Following the vote count, he reported that security forces opened fire on protesters assembled near his home in Garoua, fatally wounding at least two individuals.
Inquiry Announced
Earlier this week, the interior minister revealed that an investigation would be launched into unrest surrounding the publication of the election results.
"During these attacks, some of the criminals lost their lives," he said, without giving a exact count of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the confrontations.
The minister added that a number of members of the law enforcement also received significant wounds.
Ongoing Circumstances
While Nji maintained the state of affairs across the country was now under control, demonstrators continue to protest in some parts of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators mounted roadblocks on that day, and ignited tyres on the streets.
Experts alert that the post-electoral violence could plunge the country into a political crisis.