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Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has stated that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over claims that he incited "violent post-election demonstrations".

A minimum of 4 protesters have been lost their lives during clashes between law enforcement and opposition supporters since the electoral process on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya winning an eighth term in office.

The opposition leader insists that he was the true winner, a assertion rejected by the incumbent party, the ruling CPDM.

Forceful measures by police and security officers on protesters have concerned the global community, with the UN, AU and European Union demanding restraint.

Official's Allegations

Earlier this week, Nji alleged the opposition figure of coordinating what he described as "illegal" rallies causing the fatalities, and also criticised him for claiming win in the electoral contest.

He further stated that the opposition leader's "co-conspirators responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.

Vote Outcome

Cameroon's leader, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, secured the 12 October presidential election with 53.7% of the votes, compared to a significant minority for Tchiroma Bakary, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Opposition Response

Tchiroma Bakary is yet to respond to the official announcement to prosecute him, but he had before stated that he rejected a fraudulent outcome - and that he was undaunted of being taken into custody.

Following the vote count, he reported that security forces opened fire on protesters present near his home in Garoua, fatally wounding at least two individuals.

Probe Announced

Recently, the government official announced that an inquiry would be initiated into violent incidents prior to and following the publication of the poll figures.

"During these attacks, some of the criminals lost their lives," he commented, without offering a precise figure of protesters who have been fatally injured in the clashes.

The minister noted that a number of members of the police and military also suffered significant wounds.

Present Conditions

While the interior minister maintained the condition across the country was now stable, demonstrators remain active in various areas of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where protesters set up obstructions on that day, and ignited tyres on the roads.

Analysts alert that the political turmoil could push the nation into a leadership vacuum.