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The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has announced that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over accusations that he instigated "aggressive post-election demonstrations".

A minimum of four protesters have been killed during skirmishes between law enforcement and opposition supporters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth presidential mandate.

The opposition leader asserts that he was the true winner, a statement dismissed by Biya's ruling party, the CPDM.

Violent crackdowns by security personnel on protesters have concerned the international community, with the UN, African Union and European Union demanding moderation.

Minister's Claims

Recently, the interior minister accused Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he described as "illegal" rallies resulting in the loss of lives, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the electoral contest.

He noted that the opposition leader's "associates responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also face legal action.

Vote Outcome

Cameroon's leader, who assumed office in the early 80s and is now the world's oldest head of state, secured the 12 October election with over half of the vote, compared to just over a third for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.

Challenger's Position

Issa Tchiroma is yet to respond to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had previously declared that he would not accept a fraudulent outcome - and that he was undaunted of being taken into custody.

When results were announced, he claimed that gunmen shot on protesters gathered near his residence in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least two individuals.

Probe Revealed

On Tuesday, the interior minister revealed that an probe would be started into violent incidents before and after the announcement of the election results.

"Throughout the violence, some of the criminals were killed," he said, without providing a precise figure of demonstrators who have been lost their lives in the confrontations.

The minister noted that multiple members of the law enforcement also received major harm.

Present Conditions

Although Nji insisted the condition throughout Cameroon was now stable, protesters continue to protest in some parts of the nation, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators mounted obstructions on Tuesday, and set fire to rubber on the thoroughfares.

Observers alert that the post-electoral violence could lead the nation into a leadership vacuum.