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The nation's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has stated that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he instigated "violent election protests".

No fewer than four protesters have been lost their lives during clashes between law enforcement and protesters since Cameroon's election on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth presidential mandate.

The opposition leader insists that he emerged victorious, a assertion rejected by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.

Violent crackdowns by security personnel on demonstrators have alarmed the global community, with the UN, African Union and European Union calling for moderation.

Official's Allegations

On Tuesday, Nji accused the opposition figure of planning what he described as "unlawful" demonstrations leading to the loss of lives, and also criticised him for declaring victory in the election.

He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates involved in an insurrectionary plan" will also be prosecuted.

Poll Figures

Paul Biya, who came to power in 1982 and is now the most elderly national leader, obtained the 12 October presidential election with 53.7% of the vote, compared to just over a third for his opponent, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Challenger's Position

Tchiroma Bakary is remains silent to the official announcement to try him, but he had previously declared that he refused to acknowledge a fraudulent outcome - and that he was undaunted of being detained.

Following the vote count, he said that gunmen shot on demonstrators present near his residence in Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 people.

Probe Announced

On Tuesday, the interior minister disclosed that an investigation would be launched into unrest prior to and following the publication of the poll figures.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the individuals involved were killed," he commented, without providing a specific number of protesters who have been lost their lives in the clashes.

Nji further mentioned that several members of the police and military also sustained serious injuries.

Ongoing Circumstances

Even though the interior minister insisted the situation nationwide was now manageable, demonstrators are still demonstrating in some parts of the country, especially in urban centers, where protesters mounted barricades on Tuesday, and set fire to rubber on the streets.

Analysts warn that the political turmoil could push the country into a leadership vacuum.