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Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has stated that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over allegations that he incited "aggressive election protests".

No fewer than 4 protesters have been lost their lives during confrontations between police and military and opposition supporters since the electoral process on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 winning an eighth term in office.

Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he won the election, a statement disputed by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Violent crackdowns by security personnel on demonstrators have worried the global community, with the United Nations, AU and European Union demanding restraint.

Official's Accusations

On Tuesday, Nji alleged Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he referred to as "unauthorized" rallies causing the loss of lives, and also rebuked him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.

He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also face legal action.

Vote Outcome

Cameroon's leader, who took control in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, won the 12 October vote with 53.7% of the votes, compared to just over a third for Tchiroma Bakary, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Leader's Stance

Tchiroma Bakary is yet to respond to the official announcement to bring him to court, but he had previously declared that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being detained.

Following the vote count, he said that gunmen shot on demonstrators assembled near his home in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 people.

Inquiry Launched

On Tuesday, the government official announced that an investigation would be initiated into violent incidents before and after the declaration of the election results.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the individuals involved died," he commented, without providing a precise figure of protesters who have been killed in the clashes.

Nji added that a number of members of the police and military also suffered serious injuries.

Current Situation

Although Nji asserted the condition throughout Cameroon was now manageable, protesters remain active in various areas of the country, especially in urban centers, where protesters set up roadblocks on Tuesday, and burnt rubber on the roads.

Observers alert that the election-related unrest could plunge the nation into a leadership vacuum.