Cameroon's Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji says opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over allegations he incited violent post-election demonstrations.
At least four protesters have been killed during clashes between security forces and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya winning an eighth consecutive term.
Tchiroma Bakary insists he won the election, a claim dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Violent crackdowns by police and security officers on protesters have alarmed the international community, with the UN, African Union, and EU calling for restraint.
On Tuesday, Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of organizing what he said were illegal protests leading to loss of lives, and criticized him for declaring victory in the election.
Nji added that Tchiroma Bakary's accomplices responsible for an insurrectionary plan will also face legal action. Paul Biya, who has held power since 1982, won the 12 October election with 53.7% of the vote, compared to 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the Constitutional Council.
Tchiroma Bakary has not yet responded to the government's decision to try him, but he previously stated he would not accept a stolen vote and was not afraid of being arrested.
On election result day, he reported that armed men opened fire on protesters near his residence, fatally wounding at least two civilians. The interior minister revealed an investigation would be launched into violent incidents before and after the election results announcement.
Despite Nji's claim that the situation is under control, protests continue in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators mounted roadblocks and burnt tires.
Analysts warn that the post-election violence could deepen the country's political crisis.
