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Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has declared that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over allegations that he instigated "violent electoral rallies".

At least four protesters have been lost their lives during confrontations between law enforcement and demonstrators since the electoral process on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth presidential mandate.

Issa Tchiroma asserts that he won the election, a claim rejected by the governing party, the CPDM.

Forceful measures by law enforcement on protesters have worried the global community, with the United Nations, AU and European Union urging moderation.

Minister's Claims

Earlier this week, Nji accused the opposition figure of planning what he labeled "unlawful" protests resulting in the loss of lives, and also criticised him for announcing success in the election.

He further stated that the opposition leader's "associates responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also face legal action.

Vote Outcome

Paul Biya, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, obtained the 12 October presidential election with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to a significant minority for his opponent, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Challenger's Position

Tchiroma Bakary is has not yet commented to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had previously declared that he would not accept a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being taken into custody.

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

Inquiry Announced

Recently, the interior minister disclosed that an inquiry would be started into violent incidents prior to and following the announcement of the election results.

"Throughout the violence, some of the perpetrators were killed," he said, without offering a exact count of protesters who have been fatally injured in the incidents.

Nji further mentioned that several personnel of the security forces also sustained significant wounds.

Current Situation

While Nji maintained the condition across the country was now under control, demonstrators continue to protest in various areas of the country, especially in urban centers, where protesters set up roadblocks on Tuesday, and burnt tyres on the roads.

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