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Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has declared that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over accusations that he provoked "violent election protests".

No fewer than four protesters have been lost their lives during confrontations between security forces and demonstrators since the electoral process on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya winning an eighth term in office.

The opposition leader asserts that he was the true winner, a statement disputed by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.

Violent crackdowns by police and security officers on protesters have worried the world leaders, with the United Nations, AU and EU demanding restraint.

Official's Allegations

Recently, the interior minister alleged the opposition figure of coordinating what he described as "unlawful" rallies leading to the deaths, and also condemned him for claiming win in the election.

He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices responsible for an subversive plot" will also face legal action.

Election Results

Cameroon's leader, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, obtained the 12 October vote with a majority of the ballots, compared to just over a third for his opponent, according to the constitutional court.

Challenger's Position

The opposition figure is yet to respond to the official announcement to bring him to court, but he had previously stated that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being arrested.

On election result day, he claimed that gunmen opened fire on protesters present near his residence in Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 people.

Probe Announced

Recently, the interior minister revealed that an probe would be started into violent incidents prior to and following the announcement of the poll figures.

"Throughout the violence, some of the individuals involved were killed," he stated, without providing a exact count of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the incidents.

Nji added that multiple officers of the security forces also received serious injuries.

Current Situation

Although Nji asserted the condition across the country was now manageable, demonstrators continue to protest in certain regions of the country, especially in urban centers, where protesters set up barricades on that day, and set fire to tyres on the streets.

Experts caution that the political turmoil could plunge the nation into a leadership vacuum.