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The nation's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji has declared that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he provoked "aggressive election protests".

At least four protesters have been fatally wounded during clashes between law enforcement and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 winning an eighth consecutive term.

Issa Tchiroma maintains that he was the true winner, a assertion rejected by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.

Aggressive responses by security personnel on protesters have alarmed the global community, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union demanding restraint.

Official's Accusations

Recently, the interior minister charged the opposition figure of planning what he described as "unlawful" protests causing the deaths, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the election.

He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also undergo judicial processes.

Poll Figures

Cameroon's leader, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the oldest serving president, secured the 12 October vote with 53.7% of the votes, compared to 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.

Opposition Response

Issa Tchiroma is has not yet commented to the authorities' move to bring him to court, but he had before stated that he would not accept a rigged election - and that he was undaunted of being detained.

On election result day, he said that gunmen shot on demonstrators gathered near his home in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least 2 people.

Probe Announced

Earlier this week, the government official disclosed that an investigation would be started into unrest prior to and following the announcement of the vote outcome.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the perpetrators lost their lives," he said, without giving a exact count of protesters who have been killed in the clashes.

The minister further mentioned that multiple officers of the police and military also sustained significant wounds.

Present Conditions

While the interior minister maintained the state of affairs nationwide was now stable, protesters continue to protest in certain regions of the country, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators set up roadblocks on that day, and ignited tyres on the streets.

Experts caution that the election-related unrest could lead the country into a leadership vacuum.