The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has stated that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he provoked "aggressive electoral rallies".
No fewer than 4 protesters have been fatally wounded during confrontations between law enforcement and protesters since the presidential election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state winning an eighth term in office.
The opposition leader insists that he was the true winner, a claim rejected by Biya's ruling party, the ruling CPDM.
Forceful measures by law enforcement on demonstrators have concerned the global community, with the UN, AU and European Union demanding moderation.
Earlier this week, Nji charged Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he described as "unauthorized" demonstrations resulting in the loss of lives, and also condemned him for announcing success in the electoral contest.
He further stated that Tchiroma Bakary's "co-conspirators involved in an rebellious scheme" will also face legal action.
Cameroon's leader, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, obtained the October 12 election with over half of the votes, compared to a significant minority for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the constitutional court.
Tchiroma Bakary is has not yet commented to the government's decision to try him, but he had previously declared that he rejected a stolen vote - and that he was not afraid of being detained.
Following the vote count, he said that armed men opened fire on demonstrators assembled near his house in Garoua, fatally wounding at least two civilians.
On Tuesday, the government official revealed that an probe would be initiated into violent incidents before and after the announcement of the poll figures.
"During these attacks, some of the individuals involved lost their lives," he stated, without offering a exact count of demonstrators who have been fatally injured in the incidents.
Nji further mentioned that a number of members of the police and military also suffered major harm.
While Nji insisted the state of affairs throughout Cameroon was now manageable, protesters continue to protest in various areas of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators mounted barricades on that day, and ignited tyres on the roads.
Experts caution that the post-electoral violence could lead the country into a political crisis.
Elara is a financial strategist with over a decade of experience in wealth management and entrepreneurship.
