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Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has declared that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he incited "violent electoral rallies".

No fewer than 4 demonstrators have been lost their lives during clashes between security forces and opposition supporters since the electoral process on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state obtaining an eighth consecutive term.

Tchiroma Bakary maintains that he emerged victorious, a assertion rejected by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Aggressive responses by police and security officers on demonstrators have concerned the world leaders, with the United Nations, AU and EU calling for restraint.

Minister's Accusations

Earlier this week, the interior minister charged the opposition figure of planning what he described as "unauthorized" demonstrations leading to the fatalities, and also rebuked him for claiming win in the electoral contest.

He added that the opposition leader's "accomplices behind an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action.

Election Results

Paul Biya, who came to power in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, won the 12 October vote with 53.7% of the votes, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to Cameroon's Constitutional Council.

Leader's Stance

Issa Tchiroma is yet to respond to the authorities' move to prosecute him, but he had previously stated that he would not accept a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being detained.

Following the vote count, he claimed that security forces used lethal force on demonstrators assembled near his home in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 people.

Investigation Launched

Recently, the interior minister announced that an inquiry would be initiated into unrest surrounding the announcement of the vote outcome.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the criminals lost their lives," he stated, without giving a specific number of protesters who have been killed in the confrontations.

The minister added that multiple personnel of the police and military also suffered significant wounds.

Present Conditions

Although the interior minister maintained the state of affairs nationwide was now manageable, protesters remain active in certain regions of the nation, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators mounted obstructions on that day, and ignited rubber on the thoroughfares.

Observers warn that the election-related unrest could push the country into a leadership vacuum.