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Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has stated that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over allegations that he instigated "aggressive post-election demonstrations".

At least 4 demonstrators have been fatally wounded during skirmishes between security forces and opposition supporters since the presidential election on October 12, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.

Issa Tchiroma asserts that he was the true winner, a assertion disputed by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Violent crackdowns by security personnel on protesters have worried the international community, with the UN, AU and European Union demanding restraint.

Official's Claims

On Tuesday, the interior minister charged the opposition figure of planning what he referred to as "unlawful" rallies leading to the loss of lives, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the election.

He further stated that the opposition leader's "associates behind an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.

Poll Figures

The president, who took control in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the 12 October election with 53.7% of the vote, compared to a significant minority for his opponent, according to the constitutional court.

Opposition Response

Tchiroma Bakary is yet to respond to the authorities' move to try him, but he had before stated that he rejected a rigged election - and that he was not afraid of being taken into custody.

Following the vote count, he reported that gunmen used lethal force on protesters present near his residence in Garoua, killing at least two individuals.

Investigation Launched

Recently, the government official revealed that an investigation would be started into clashes before and after the declaration of the election results.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals died," he stated, without offering a precise figure of protesters who have been lost their lives in the clashes.

The minister noted that several personnel of the law enforcement also suffered serious injuries.

Current Situation

While Nji insisted the state of affairs across the country was now stable, protesters continue to protest in some parts of the country, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators set up barricades on Tuesday, and ignited tires on the streets.

Observers warn that the political turmoil could push the nation into a governmental instability.