Cameroon's Interior Minister the interior minister has stated that political opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over allegations that he incited "aggressive post-election demonstrations".
At least four protesters have been killed during confrontations between police and military and demonstrators since Cameroon's election on October 12, with the 92-year-old head of state securing an eighth term in office.
Issa Tchiroma insists that he won the election, a claim dismissed by the incumbent party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Forceful measures by law enforcement on demonstrators have concerned the global community, with the UN, AU and EU urging caution.
Official's Allegations
On Tuesday, Nji charged Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he referred to as "illegal" demonstrations resulting in the deaths, and also rebuked him for announcing success in the electoral contest.
He noted that the opposition leader's "accomplices involved in an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.
Vote Outcome
Paul Biya, who came to power in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, secured the 12 October presidential election with a majority of the vote, compared to 35.2% for the challenger, according to the constitutional court.
Leader's Stance
Issa Tchiroma is yet to respond to the official announcement to try him, but he had previously stated that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being taken into custody.
On election result day, he claimed that security forces shot on protesters present near his home in Garoua, causing the death of at least 2 civilians.
Probe Announced
On Tuesday, the government official disclosed that an probe would be started into unrest surrounding the publication of the vote outcome.
"During these attacks, some of the individuals involved were killed," he stated, without giving a specific number of protesters who have been lost their lives in the clashes.
Nji added that a number of officers of the security forces also received significant wounds.
Ongoing Circumstances
Although the interior minister insisted the situation nationwide was now stable, protesters are still demonstrating in certain regions of the country, especially in these two cities, where demonstrators established obstructions on that day, and ignited tires on the thoroughfares.
Observers caution that the political turmoil could plunge the country into a political crisis.
