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The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has declared that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over claims that he provoked "aggressive electoral rallies".

At least 4 protesters have been lost their lives during confrontations between security forces and protesters since the presidential election on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya securing an eighth presidential mandate.

The opposition leader asserts that he was the true winner, a statement rejected by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Forceful measures by law enforcement on demonstrators have worried the world leaders, with the United Nations, African Union and EU demanding restraint.

Minister's Accusations

Earlier this week, the interior minister charged Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he referred to as "unlawful" demonstrations leading to the loss of lives, and also rebuked him for claiming win in the presidential race.

He noted that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action.

Vote Outcome

The president, who took control in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, secured the 12 October election with over half of the vote, compared to just over a third for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.

Challenger's Position

The opposition figure is yet to respond to the government's decision to try him, but he had before stated that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being arrested.

Following the vote count, he reported that gunmen opened fire on protesters assembled near his house in Garoua, killing at least 2 people.

Probe Revealed

Earlier this week, the government official disclosed that an inquiry would be started into violent incidents prior to and following the announcement of the election results.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals died," he said, without giving a exact count of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the confrontations.

Nji noted that a number of personnel of the law enforcement also suffered major harm.

Present Conditions

While the interior minister insisted the situation throughout Cameroon was now manageable, demonstrators continue to protest in certain regions of the nation, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators established obstructions on that day, and ignited rubber on the thoroughfares.

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