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Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has announced that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over allegations that he instigated "violent post-election demonstrations".

A minimum of 4 demonstrators have been fatally wounded during confrontations between security forces and demonstrators since the presidential election on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya securing an eighth term in office.

Issa Tchiroma asserts that he emerged victorious, a claim dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.

Violent crackdowns by law enforcement on protesters have alarmed the world leaders, with the UN, AU and EU urging moderation.

Official's Claims

Recently, the interior minister accused Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he described as "illegal" demonstrations causing the fatalities, and also criticised him for announcing success in the electoral contest.

He added that the opposition leader's "associates behind an subversive plot" will also undergo judicial processes.

Poll Figures

Cameroon's leader, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, obtained the 12 October presidential election with a majority of the votes, compared to 35.2% for the challenger, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Opposition Response

Tchiroma Bakary is remains silent to the official announcement to prosecute him, but he had earlier stated that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being arrested.

Following the vote count, he reported that security forces opened fire on demonstrators present near his residence in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least two civilians.

Investigation Launched

Earlier this week, the government official disclosed that an inquiry would be launched into violent incidents before and after the publication of the election results.

"Throughout the violence, some of the criminals lost their lives," he stated, without offering a precise figure of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the confrontations.

The minister further mentioned that several personnel of the police and military also received serious injuries.

Current Situation

While Nji asserted the state of affairs nationwide was now under control, protesters remain active in some parts of the country, especially in these two cities, where protesters set up roadblocks on that day, and ignited tyres on the streets.

Observers warn that the post-electoral violence could push the nation into a leadership vacuum.