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Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has announced that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over allegations that he provoked "aggressive election protests".

A minimum of four demonstrators have been killed during clashes between law enforcement and opposition supporters since the electoral process on October 12, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.

Issa Tchiroma asserts that he emerged victorious, a claim dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Violent crackdowns by security personnel on demonstrators have concerned the world leaders, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union demanding restraint.

Minister's Claims

On Tuesday, the interior minister accused Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he described as "illegal" rallies resulting in the loss of lives, and also criticised him for announcing success in the electoral contest.

He further stated that the opposition leader's "associates responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.

Poll Figures

Cameroon's leader, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, obtained the October 12 election with a majority of the vote, compared to 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.

Challenger's Position

Issa Tchiroma is yet to respond to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had before stated that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being detained.

Following the vote count, he said that security forces opened fire on protesters assembled near his house in the city of Garoua, killing at least two civilians.

Investigation Launched

Recently, the government official revealed that an probe would be started into violent incidents before and after the publication of the election results.

"During these attacks, some of the criminals died," he stated, without offering a specific number of protesters who have been killed in the confrontations.

The minister added that several members of the law enforcement also suffered serious injuries.

Ongoing Circumstances

Although Nji maintained the state of affairs throughout Cameroon was now manageable, demonstrators continue to protest in various areas of the country, especially in urban centers, where protesters established roadblocks on that day, and set fire to rubber on the thoroughfares.

Analysts alert that the political turmoil could plunge the country into a leadership vacuum.