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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 claims that he instigated "violent election protests".

A minimum of four demonstrators have been fatally wounded during confrontations between law enforcement and demonstrators since the presidential election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state securing an eighth consecutive term.

Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he won the election, a claim disputed by the governing party, the ruling CPDM.

Aggressive responses by security personnel on protesters have concerned the global community, with the UN, AU and EU urging caution.

Minister's Allegations

Recently, Nji charged the opposition figure of coordinating what he referred to as "illegal" rallies leading to the deaths, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the electoral contest.

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

Vote Outcome

Paul Biya, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, obtained the 12 October election with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to just over a third for his opponent, according to the constitutional court.

Challenger's Position

The opposition figure is has not yet commented to the authorities' move to try him, but he had previously stated that he refused to acknowledge a fraudulent outcome - and that he was fearless of being taken into custody.

On election result day, he claimed that security forces opened fire on demonstrators present near his house in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least two civilians.

Inquiry Revealed

On Tuesday, the government official disclosed that an inquiry would be initiated into clashes before and after the publication of the poll figures.

"Throughout the violence, some of the criminals died," he stated, without providing a specific number of protesters who have been lost their lives in the incidents.

Nji added that a number of members of the security forces also suffered significant wounds.

Ongoing Circumstances

Even though the interior minister maintained the situation throughout Cameroon was now manageable, protesters remain active in some parts of the country, especially in these two cities, where protesters mounted obstructions on Tuesday, and set fire to tyres on the streets.

Analysts alert that the post-electoral violence could push the nation into a governmental instability.