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

A minimum of 4 demonstrators have been lost their lives during skirmishes between security forces and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state obtaining an eighth term in office.

Issa Tchiroma insists that he was the true winner, a statement rejected by the incumbent party, the CPDM.

Violent crackdowns by police and security officers on demonstrators have alarmed the international community, with the United Nations, AU and EU urging moderation.

Minister's Accusations

On Tuesday, Nji accused the opposition figure of coordinating what he described as "unlawful" rallies leading to the deaths, and also rebuked him for declaring victory in the presidential race.

He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators responsible for an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.

Election Results

Paul Biya, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, secured the 12 October election with 53.7% of the vote, compared to just over a third for his opponent, according to the constitutional court.

Leader's Stance

The opposition figure is has not yet commented to the authorities' move to prosecute him, but he had previously announced that he would not accept a rigged election - and that he was not afraid of being arrested.

Following the vote count, he said that gunmen used lethal force on protesters gathered near his home in the city of Garoua, killing at least two people.

Probe Launched

Earlier this week, the government official announced that an investigation would be initiated into clashes surrounding the declaration of the election results.

"In the course of these incidents, some of the individuals involved were killed," he said, without offering a precise figure of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the clashes.

The minister noted that several officers of the law enforcement also suffered significant wounds.

Current Situation

Although the interior minister insisted the condition nationwide was now stable, demonstrators are still demonstrating in certain regions of the nation, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators mounted barricades on that day, and ignited tyres on the thoroughfares.

Experts warn that the political turmoil could plunge the country into a leadership vacuum.