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Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has stated that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he instigated "violent post-election demonstrations".

At least 4 protesters have been lost their lives during clashes between security forces and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth presidential mandate.

Issa Tchiroma maintains that he was the true winner, a claim rejected by the incumbent party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Violent crackdowns by police and security officers on protesters have worried the international community, with the UN, African Union and EU calling for moderation.

Minister's Accusations

On Tuesday, the interior minister charged the opposition figure of coordinating what he referred to as "illegal" demonstrations resulting in the loss of lives, and also rebuked him for declaring victory in the election.

He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also undergo judicial processes.

Vote Outcome

The president, who took control in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, secured the October 12 vote with 53.7% of the votes, compared to a significant minority for his opponent, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Challenger's Position

Issa Tchiroma is remains silent to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had earlier stated that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was undaunted of being detained.

When results were announced, he reported that gunmen shot on demonstrators gathered near his house in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 individuals.

Probe Launched

Recently, the interior minister announced that an investigation would be launched into unrest surrounding the announcement of the poll figures.

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

Nji further mentioned that a number of officers of the security forces also suffered serious injuries.

Current Situation

Although Nji insisted the situation across the country was now manageable, demonstrators are still demonstrating in certain regions of the country, especially in these two cities, where protesters established barricades on Tuesday, and burnt tires on the thoroughfares.

Observers alert that the post-electoral violence could plunge the nation into a leadership vacuum.