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Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has announced that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he incited "violent post-election demonstrations".

At least 4 demonstrators have been killed during clashes between police and military and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.

The opposition leader insists that he won the election, a statement dismissed by the incumbent party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Forceful measures by security personnel on protesters have worried the international community, with the UN, African Union and European Union calling for restraint.

Minister's Allegations

On Tuesday, Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of coordinating what he labeled "unauthorized" demonstrations leading to the fatalities, and also condemned him for claiming win in the electoral contest.

He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices behind an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.

Poll Figures

Cameroon's leader, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, won the October 12 election with over half of the votes, compared to a significant minority for his opponent, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Opposition Response

Tchiroma Bakary is yet to respond to the official announcement to prosecute him, but he had previously declared that he would not accept a fraudulent outcome - and that he was not afraid of being taken into custody.

When results were announced, he reported that gunmen used lethal force on protesters present near his residence in the city of Garoua, killing at least two people.

Probe Launched

Recently, the government official announced that an probe would be initiated into violent incidents before and after the announcement of the vote outcome.

"During these attacks, some of the criminals died," he said, without offering a specific number of protesters who have been lost their lives in the clashes.

Nji added that a number of members of the law enforcement also received significant wounds.

Current Situation

Although the interior minister asserted the state of affairs throughout Cameroon was now manageable, demonstrators continue to protest in some parts of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators mounted roadblocks on that day, and burnt tyres on the roads.

Analysts warn that the election-related unrest could lead the country into a leadership vacuum.