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Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has declared that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over accusations that he provoked "violent post-election demonstrations".

No fewer than four demonstrators have been fatally wounded during clashes between law enforcement and protesters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.

Tchiroma Bakary asserts that he won the election, a claim disputed by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.

Violent crackdowns by security personnel on protesters have worried the world leaders, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union demanding restraint.

Minister's Allegations

Earlier this week, Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he described as "illegal" protests causing the deaths, and also criticised him for claiming win in the electoral contest.

He further stated that the opposition leader's "accomplices behind an insurrectionary plan" will also be prosecuted.

Vote Outcome

Cameroon's leader, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the oldest serving president, obtained the 12 October presidential election with over half of the votes, compared to just over a third for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.

Challenger's Position

Tchiroma Bakary is yet to respond to the official announcement to try him, but he had before announced that he would not accept a rigged election - and that he was fearless of being detained.

Following the vote count, he reported that armed men opened fire on demonstrators gathered near his residence in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least two individuals.

Investigation Announced

On Tuesday, the interior minister revealed that an investigation would be started into unrest before and after the declaration of the vote outcome.

"During these attacks, some of the criminals lost their lives," he stated, without offering a precise figure of demonstrators who have been killed in the incidents.

The minister further mentioned that several personnel of the law enforcement also suffered major harm.

Present Conditions

While Nji maintained the situation throughout Cameroon was now under control, protesters continue to protest in some parts of the country, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators mounted barricades on that day, and burnt tyres on the streets.

Observers warn that the election-related unrest could plunge the country into a political crisis.