Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has declared that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over claims that he instigated "violent electoral rallies".
No fewer than 4 demonstrators have been lost their lives during skirmishes between security forces and protesters since Cameroon's election on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya obtaining an eighth consecutive term.
Issa Tchiroma maintains that he was the true winner, a statement dismissed by the governing party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Forceful measures by security personnel on demonstrators have worried the global community, with the United Nations, AU and EU urging caution.
Official's Allegations
Recently, the interior minister accused the opposition figure of organising what he labeled "unauthorized" rallies leading to the loss of lives, and also criticised him for announcing success in the presidential race.
He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices responsible for an subversive plot" will also undergo judicial processes.
Vote Outcome
Paul Biya, who took control in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the October 12 presidential election with a majority of the vote, compared to a significant minority for the challenger, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.
Challenger's Position
Tchiroma Bakary is remains silent to the authorities' move to try him, but he had earlier stated that he rejected a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being taken into custody.
On election result day, he claimed that armed men used lethal force on protesters present near his home in Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 people.
Inquiry Announced
Earlier this week, the interior minister announced that an investigation would be started into clashes surrounding the announcement of the poll figures.
"During these attacks, some of the criminals were killed," he stated, without offering a specific number of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the clashes.
Nji noted that several members of the security forces also suffered major harm.
Current Situation
Although the interior minister asserted the situation throughout Cameroon was now manageable, demonstrators are still demonstrating in certain regions of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters set up obstructions on Tuesday, and ignited tires on the roads.
Experts warn that the post-electoral violence could plunge the country into a political crisis.
