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Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has declared that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he provoked "aggressive post-election demonstrations".

No fewer than 4 protesters have been lost their lives during confrontations between security forces and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya securing an eighth term in office.

Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he was the true winner, a claim dismissed by the governing party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Violent crackdowns by police and security officers on demonstrators have alarmed the international community, with the UN, AU and European Union urging caution.

Minister's Accusations

Earlier this week, the interior minister accused Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he described as "illegal" rallies causing the deaths, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.

He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices involved in an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.

Vote Outcome

The president, who took control in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the October 12 presidential election with over half of the vote, compared to 35.2% for the challenger, according to the electoral authority.

Challenger's Position

The opposition figure is remains silent to the authorities' move to try him, but he had earlier declared that he rejected a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being detained.

When results were announced, he said that gunmen opened fire on protesters assembled near his residence in Garoua, fatally wounding at least two individuals.

Probe Launched

Earlier this week, the interior minister revealed that an probe would be started into clashes prior to and following the publication of the election results.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals were killed," he commented, without offering a specific number of protesters who have been fatally injured in the clashes.

The minister noted that multiple personnel of the security forces also received serious injuries.

Current Situation

Although Nji insisted the situation across the country was now manageable, protesters remain active in certain regions of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators set up barricades on Tuesday, and set fire to tyres on the roads.

Experts alert that the political turmoil could push the country into a governmental instability.